On May 1 of this year, Good Times Bowl, bar and grill, formerly
known as Hollister Family Bowl, formerly known as Hollister Lanes,
will be closing.
Editor,
On May 1 of this year, Good Times Bowl, bar and grill, formerly known as Hollister Family Bowl, formerly known as Hollister Lanes, will be closing. They will be closing by their own words for “the long-awaited remodel.” The bad part about that, is that the only people that have “long awaited” this remodel are the current owners. The main reason for this “long-awaited” remodel: to tear out eight of the existing 18 lanes, put up a wall and build a Kawasaki dealership. By doing this it will leave a very spacious and comfortable 10 lanes for our entire community to be able to share. One problem with that, 10 lanes is not enough to accommodate our bowling leagues, much less the open bowling.
The only thing that has been “long awaited” at the Good Times Bowl, bar and grill has been stability. We had that for a short period of time last year before it was sold, when the manager at that time had that place jumping. It was then, before the name change, that it really was “Good Times.” Now it is nothing more than Sad Times as we all look back on the memories that were made there, and the memories that will never be allowed to happen because the opportunity is being taken away. I say this because, by their own words, it may reopen in August or September. The word may, is suggestive in that it also says that it may not. When the current owners bought the bowl last year, they stated that they would still keep it open, and they have. Now, according to them, they may.
The last thing this town needs besides another fast food place or a pizza place is another dealership. The Kawasaki dealership is perfect where it is. Don’t destroy the one thing this community needs and replace it with something that it doesn’t. Without a doubt what we do need is a place where families can go and have fun together and where kids can have their birthday parties in a good clean and wholesome environment. The bowling alley is one of the last places in this community where families, young and old alike, can go and have good clean family fun.
This “temporary closing” and forthcoming remodel will, for all intents and purposes, force everyone who enjoys the game to either travel to other centers to participate, or just quit the game all together. I for one will travel because of my love and dedication to the sport. However, bowling will not be the only thing that I will be traveling for. Thanks to the current owners, I will also be traveling to buy my Chevrolets and I encourage everyone else that is a Chevy person to do the same. Taking something away from us, without a doubt deserves to be returned in kind.
Hollister Lanes, R.I.P. 1963-2005
Bernie Rivers, Hollister
