Bowling has been somewhat of an American pastime for us here in the USA. Bowling originated in ancient Egypt, and was first standardized as the game we know today in New York City in 1895. It is one of those rare events where most people can say they have participated in at least once in their life. This is for good reason: bowling is fun, group oriented, relatively inexpensive and very low maintenance. People of all ages, genders and religious/ethnic backgrounds have been known to enjoy bowling.

From the business side of this popular recreational sport, owners of bowling alleys have long run successful businesses. Because of bowling's social nature, and it's lack of an “off season”, a well run bowling alley will have patrons all times throughout the year. Like stated earlier, it is one of the cheapest and lowest maintenance forms of entertainment out there. Bowling alleys generally provide everything you need for you. The most successful bowling alleys have a few things in common, some very obvious and some less so. If you want to run a successful bowling alley or bowling alley franchise, here are 4 tips to help you maintain a profitable business.

1. Have entertainment for everyone.

People are drawn to bowling alleys for more reasons than just throwing a heavy ball at 10 pins. The bowling alley is becoming as much of a social mecca as the mall and bar in today's day and age. With the high price of gas and tightening economy, teenagers and young adults are driving and vacationing less. With this being said, bowling alleys have to cater to everyone.

This means a successful bowling alley should diversify it's entertainment. Obviously, a successful bowling business is going to be centered around bowling. However, having other entertaining accoutrement such as billiard tables, shuffleboard tables, arcade games, televisions and a lounge will certainly boost your popularity and profitability. The more sources of entertainment you provide, the more people you will bring in and the longer a patron will spend in your bowling center.

2. Provide drinks, snacks and meals.

Bowling alley food is synonymous with bowling alleys. Some of the best quick food I've ever had has been in bowling alleys. Every successful bowling alley that I have been in has had a concession stand/snack bar/restaurant. This is important because people want to eat when they are bowling, especially if they are going to be there for a few hours. Providing food service as well as vending machines will keep your patrons happy.

In addition to a snack bar, having a bar or lounge is a big plus.  Bowling alleys are not only populated by middle school, high school and younger college aged youths. There is always going to be a steady +21 crowd to cater to. Being able to provide adult beverages to your customers while they are bowling will allow them to have more fun, stay longer and spend more money.

3. Have a healthy league format.

Having a successful league format and structure is one of the best franchise opportunities that a bowling alley can take advantage of. A popular and well run league format gives a bowling alley several money making benefits such as steady business, new customers, customer loyalty and a chance to give back to your patrons. People want to feel like they are a part of something, and if they are involved in a league at your place of business, they will have immediate brand loyalty. Because of this, they will bring their friends and acquaintances to join the league and for recreational bowling. This is the kind of cycle that every bowling alley business owner wants to see.

4. Advertise your bowling alley(s).

I have seen several bowling alleys take advantage of people's ignorance and comfort level. Lets face it, if you are planning to open a new bowling alley in a location where there is already an established bowling alley, you are going to have a bit of an uphill battle to begin with. Bowling alleys should take advantage of every advertising and promotional tool possible. Advertise in local entertainment periodicals, newspapers, magazines, billboards and Yellow Pages.

In addition to these traditional advertising mediums, bowling alleys can take advantage of the Internet A good chunk of your business will come from the “Web 2.0” crowd, so advertising on the 'net might be the most useful medium to reach these younger bowlers and socialites. Use social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter to send out promotions, alerts and any news that you want to advertise.  If you want some more information on this, you can read this article entitled "4 Ways To Promote Your Bar Online".

It further bolsters your advertising efforts to actually have entertaining events to promote. Staples like drink specials, bowling with lights and a DJ, live music and any other creative promotions can generate a buzz in your actual community as well as your online community.