Hollister Family Bowl is undergoing some major renovations. This
time it’s not the lanes themselves that are being overhauled, but
the bar and eating areas.
Hollister Family Bowl is undergoing some major renovations. This time it’s not the lanes themselves that are being overhauled, but the bar and eating areas.
When the work is done, Hollister Family Bowl will have a welcoming, family-oriented restaurant for those who enjoy bowling and those simply looking for another place to dine.
“Some people think we’re shut down because of some of the construction,” said manager Jorge Godinez. “We want people to know we’re still open for business, but we’re doing some major remodeling. We’ll be building an area where people can sit down and dine.”
The kitchen is especially important to Godinez. Last June he and his wife, Lourdes Espinoza, took over Lulu’s Kitchen located inside the bowling alley.
“When we started here, the menu offered nothing but hamburgers, French fries and chili cheese fries,” Godinez said. “We introduced Mexican food and people loved it. Our specialties include chili verde, carne asada and burritos. We added enchiladas, flautas, chili rellenos and sandwiches. We wanted to offer more of a selection to the public.”
When the new sit-down dining area is in place, diners will be able to enjoy their meal at a leisurely pace. There are also plans to include an outdoor patio where people can eat when the weather is nice.
Those looking for a more sporty atmosphere might enjoy stopping by the bar where renovation plans revolve around a full sports bar with enough TVs to give sports fans the best view of the game.
“We’re currently having a contest for naming the bar,” Godinez said. “We’ll be offering dinner for four, including drinks, for the person who comes up with the best name for our new sports bar.”
But not all the changes at Hollister Family Bowl are centered around food and drink.
“Since I became manager I’ve been really listening to people,” Godinez said. “Rebecca Ball, the assistant manager and I want to know what people like and what they feel needs to be changed. I ask people to let me know so we can correct any problems. I love people and we’re working hard to make this an atmosphere people enjoy coming to.”
Godinez says he wants bowlers to be happy.
“When I first took over, we heard complaints that our lanes were not cleaned properly,” he said. “The first thing I did was talk to the owners so we could correct that. Consequently, more local bowlers come here and practice now.”
With the owner’s full support, Godinez has several new programs in place.
“We’re trying to fill in the hours from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.,” he said. “We’re trying to give kids something to do after school. Right now from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we have Pizza, Pins and Pop. A game of bowling is just 99 cents. A slice of pizza is 99 cents, a soda pop is 99 cents and rental shoes are 99 cents. On Thursdays from 3 to 5:30 p.m. we have the $5 special. This includes two games of bowling, a soda pop, popcorn and rental shoes for only $5.”
Godinez said the bowling center is also a good place for groups or individuals to put on fundraising projects.
“Say, for example, a church is looking for a way to raise money,” he said. “We give them a deal on discounted play and bowlers sign up sponsors for the number of pins they knock down during a game. It might be five cents a pin. It’s a fun way to raise money. When the high school brings students to play, it costs $4.50. Fifty cents goes right back to the high school.”
Godinez said they’re also working on starting a Christian night.
“We’re always ready to accommodate groups, both large and small,” he said. “We’re a great place for birthdays and other parties.”
Hollister Family Bowl is located at 411 San Felipe Rd. Open Monday through Thursday from noon to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 636-1999.
