Bowling Alley Business Plan
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Executive Summary
Business Overview
The Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone is a startup bowling business located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company is founded by Jack Sessions, a former pro bowling athlete and holder of multiple national bowling championship trophies. During his history as a professional bowler, Jack impressed several of his sponsoring companies with his leadership abilities and his business acumen, which has encouraged the same sponsors to help him secure the financing and create this startup company in the bowling industry.
Product Offering
The following are the services that the Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will provide:
- 20 bowling lanes for league and leisure play
- Beautiful lounge area overseeing the alleys
- Full-service restaurant
- Gold Trophy Bar
- Video arcade and interactive play area
- Childcare services
- Senior league play
- Couples league play
Customer Focus
The Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will target the residents and families of Las Vegas, Nevada. They will also target visitors to the greater Las Vegas region. They will target companies and other groups who will put teams into league play. They will target seniors and they will target couples who want casual, enjoyable regular bowling practices and league play. They will target party planners and event coordinators.
Management Team
The Winning Strikes & Game Zone will be owned and operated by Jack Sessions, a former pro bowling athlete and holder of multiple national bowling championship trophies. Jack will take on the role of President of the company. During his history as a professional bowler, Jack impressed several of his sponsoring companies with his leadership abilities and his business acumen, which has encouraged the same sponsors to help him secure the financing and create this startup company in the bowling industry.
Two former pro bowlers and other associates have agreed to join Jack in this startup venture: Jim Macone will take on the role of Operations Director, and Tiny Demas will join as the Restaurant and Bar Manager. Tracy Anderson will become the Administrative Manager and Len Woodward will be the Maintenance Supervisor.
Jim Macone holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Nevada and has worked in that role for over fifteen years in a local business. He will hold the title of Operations Director for the alleys, rental areas, and arcade and gaming areas of the business.
Tiny Demas, formerly a champion in league play with the Desert Diamondbacks Club, has been a restauranteur for ten years and has been recruited to take on the role of Restaurant and Bar Manager for the startup.
Tracy Anderson, a former associate with ten years of office management experience, will be the Administrative Manager, overseeing the accounts, payroll, transactions and other tasks.
Len Woodward will be the Maintenance Supervisor, caring for the buildings, interiors and grounds of the property. His background includes maintenance supervision for a large shopping complex near the Las Vegas Strip.
Success Factors
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:
- Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team of the Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone
- Comprehensive array of exciting bowling games, video games and arcade-style games.
- Safe and comfortable family setting ensures a positive experience for everyone.
- Free childcare for infants and toddlers up to age 3.
- Colorful decor throughout the entire complex.
- Multiple menu choices in the restaurant and “Lucky Strike” bar area.
- Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone offers the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure encourages family play and discounts are often provided throughout the seasons.
Download the Bowling Alley business plan template (including a customizable financial model) to your computer here <–
Financial Highlights
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:
- Office space build-out: $20,000
- Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
- Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
- Marketing costs: $10,000
- Working capital: $10,000
The following graph outlines the financial projections for Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone.
Company Overview
Who is Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone?
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone is a newly established, full-service 20-lane bowling alley and family arcade complex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will be the most attractive, fun and cost-effective choice for everyone in Las Vegas and the surrounding communities. Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will provide a comprehensive menu of fun activities, including bowling in league play and outstanding video arcade games for any individual to enjoy. Their full-service approach includes a full service restaurant and the Lucky Strikes bar.
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will be able to serve individuals, groups, and families of all sizes. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in every aspect of bowling, as well as overseeing and maintaining video arcade and interactive play. Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone removes all the headaches and issues of trying to find a place the entire family enjoys and ensures all issues are taken care of expeditiously while delivering the best customer service.
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone is owned and operated by Jack Sessions, a former pro bowling athlete and holder of multiple national bowling championship trophies. During his history as a professional bowler, Jack impressed several of his sponsoring companies with his leadership abilities and his business acumen, which has encouraged the same sponsors to help him secure the financing and create this startup company in the bowling industry. Jack has earned the trust and commitment of several pro bowlers who frequent Las Vegas to refer the new startup to friends and family members, as well as play and help promote the newest major attraction in the Las Vegas area. Since incorporation, Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone has achieved the following milestones: The following will be the services Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will provide: The bowling alley/video game arcade industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $167,600 billion. The Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will target the residents and families of Las Vegas, Nevada. They will also target visitors to the greater Las Vegas region. They will target companies and other groups who will put teams into league play. They will target seniors and they will target couples who want casual, enjoyable regular bowling practices and league play.
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone Services
Industry Analysis
The growth will be driven by increasing league participation rates.
The growth will also be driven by families looking for a “full service experience” with something for the entire family to enjoy.
The growth will also be driven by interactive games, such as laser tag and indoor sports.
Costs will likely be reduced as the increase in family play and enjoyable eateries brings more revenue to the game centers, lowering the cost of goods with order quantity increases.
Download the Bowling Alley business plan template (including a customizable financial model) to your computer here <–Customer Analysis
Demographic Profile of Target Market
The precise demographics for Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone are:
Total Percent
Total population 1,680,988 100%
Male 838,675 49.9%
Female 842,313 50.1%
20 to 24 years 114,872 6.8%
25 to 34 years 273,588 16.3%
35 to 44 years 235,946 14.0%
45 to 54 years 210,256 12.5%
55 to 59 years 105,057 6.2%
60 to 64 years 87,484 5.2%
65 to 74 years 116,878 7.0%
75 to 84 years 52,524 3.1%
Customer Segmentation
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will primarily target the following customer profiles:
- Residents and families within the Las Vegas region
- Visitors to the Las Vegas region
- Companies or groups who arrange league play
- Seniors and couples who want league play
- Party planners and event coordinators
Competitive Analysis
Direct and Indirect Competitors
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.
Strikes & Spares Bowling Alley
The Strikes & Spares Bowling Alley provides 10 bowling alleys for league and casual play. In addition, there is a snack bar and “Strike it Rich” Bar in the bowling alley complex. The leagues that play include a truck driver’s club and a neighborhood bowling club that includes gambling on the results of each week’s play. There is no childcare provided for families, but there are arcade machines in a side room of the bowling alley for children ages 8-16 to play.
Strikes & Spares Bowling Alley is owned by John and Tinker Daly, who purchased the business in 1993 from the original owner of the business. During the past several years, business has declined for key reasons: the neighborhood of the bowling alley has changed from family-dominated to a more fluid rental neighborhood. In addition, the bowling alley, snack bar and bar need a decor refresh and updating throughout, as the original decor is dated. The amenities, such as the video game machines, are also dated and need to be exchanged for newer games and better models.
Retro Bowling Alley
Retro Bowling Alley is an inviting venue that brings together the nostalgic charm of classic bowling with the excitement of a video arcade. With 10 well-maintained bowling lanes and a dedicated arcade area, Retro Bowling Alley provides an engaging experience for individuals, families, and groups of friends. The bowling alley contains vintage-inspired artwork, neon signs, and retro memorabilia, creating a fun atmosphere. Comfortable seating areas allow guests to relax, socialize, and cheer on their friends while enjoying the lively energy of the bowling alley and arcade. The owner is Gary Reagan, an owner of several local Las Vegas businesses, who invests in entertainment venues and facilities that attract families as a whole. The business was started in 2012 and became profitable in 2014. It continues to grow due to the increased use of the bowling alley, the comfortable surroundings and the friendly employees who assist with everything willingly.
Vegas Family Pins
Vegas Family Pins provides a small-town atmosphere in the middle of Las Vegas, with 10 bowling lanes and an accompanying lounge for players and viewers to cheer each other on to victory. The bowling alley has a charming and fun-filled series of alleys that can be reconfigured so young children can play each Saturday morning. Designed to offer an oasis in the middle of the fast-paced Las Vegas world, the bowling alley is a family favorite, even though it does not boast a video arcade or other amenities.
Vegas Family Pins is owned and operated by Arnold Guthy, an area businessman who was a former league bowler when his family was young. He purchased the business in 1989 and has refurbished it twice since that time; however, he did so in keeping with the cozy atmosphere of “family” bowling. Neighborhood families like to connect and watch their children play, while enjoying a snack from a nearby bank of food vending machines. With a limited number of lanes, the bowling alley provides a cozy environment when uncrowded, but can convey a crowded atmosphere when all ten bowling lanes are in use.
Download the Bowling Alley business plan template (including a customizable financial model) to your computer here <–
Competitive Advantage
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:
- Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team of the Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone
- Comprehensive array of exciting bowling games, video games and arcade-style games.
- Safe and comfortable family setting ensures a positive experience for everyone.
- Free childcare for infants and toddlers up to age 3.
- Colorful decor throughout the entire complex.
- Wide range of menu items in the restaurant and “Lucky Strike” bar area.
- Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone offers the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure encourages family play, and discounts are often provided throughout the seasons.
Marketing Plan
Brand & Value Proposition
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:
- Highly-qualified team of skilled employees who are able to provide a comprehensive array of services and assistance for individuals and families.
- Comprehensive array of exciting bowling games, video games and arcade-style games.
- Free childcare for infants and toddlers up to age 3
- Safe and comfortable family setting ensures a positive experience for everyone.
- Unbeatable pricing to its customers; discount packages are offered seasonally.
Promotions Strategy
The promotions strategy for Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone is as follows:
Word of Mouth/Referrals
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by the exceptional service and expertise provided by Jack Sessions to his clients. Former clients and fellow bowlers have already agreed to follow him to his new company and help spread the word of Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone.
Professional Associations and Networking
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will actively network among community groups and citywide associations to get their name recognized as an exciting and vibrant new event venue for a wide variety of events. As such, regional trade shows and community gatherings will be attended and the word spread about the launch of the new company.
Print Advertising
All residents will receive a direct mail piece two weeks prior to the launch of Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone. The invitation will offer a discount on bowling during the first month of business and selected discounts on merchandise, food, and bowling shoe rentals.
Website/SEO Marketing
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will fully utilize their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone provides. The website will also list their contact information and list their available alley for reservations that can be made online. The website presence will engage SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “bowling alley” or “family fun center near me”, Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will be listed at the top of the search results.
Pricing
The pricing of Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.
Operations Plan
The following will be the operations plan for Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone.
Operation Functions:
- Jack Sessions will be the Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations. Jack has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
- JIm Macone will be the Operations Director for the alleys, rental areas, and arcade and gaming areas of the business.
- Tiny Demas will be the Restaurant and Bar Manager for the startup company.
- Tracy Anderson will be the Administrative Manager, overseeing the accounts, payroll, transactions and other tasks.
- Len Woodward will be the Maintenance Supervisor, caring for the buildings, interiors and grounds of the property.
Download the Bowling Alley business plan template (including a customizable financial model) to your computer here <–
Milestones:
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.
- 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space
- 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel contracts for the Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone
- 6/1/202X – Finalize contracts for Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone clients
- 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
- 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone office
- 7/1/202X – Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone opens its office for business
Management Team
The Winning Strikes & Game Zone will be owned and operated by Jack Sessions, a former pro bowling athlete and holder of multiple national bowling championship trophies. Jack will take on the role of President of the company. During his history as a professional bowler, Jack impressed several of his sponsoring companies with his leadership abilities and his business acumen, which has encouraged the same sponsors to help him secure the financing and create this startup company in the bowling industry.
Two former pro bowlers have agreed to join Jack in this startup venture: Jim Macone, who will take on the role of Operations Director, and Tiny Demas, who will join as the Restaurant and Bar Manager.
Jim Macone holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Nevada and has worked in that role for over fifteen years in a local business. He will hold the title of Operations Director for the alleys, rental areas, and arcade and gaming areas of the business.
Tiny Demas, formerly a champion in league play with the Desert Diamondbacks Club, has been a restauranteur for ten years and has been recruited to take on the role of Restaurant and Bar Manager for the startup.
Tracy Anderson, a former associate with ten years of office management experience, will be the Administrative Manager, overseeing the accounts, payroll, transactions and other tasks.
Len Woodward will be the Maintenance Supervisor, caring for the buildings, interiors and grounds of the property. His background includes maintenance supervision for a large shopping complex near the Las Vegas Strip.
Financial Plan
Key Revenue & Costs
The revenue drivers for Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone are the fees they will charge to customers for their services and merchandise.
The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.
Funding Requirements and Use of Funds
Winning Strikes Bowling & Game Zone is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its bowling alley. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:
- Office space build-out: $20,000
- Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
- Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
- Marketing costs: $10,000
- Working capital: $10,000
Download the Bowling Alley business plan template (including a customizable financial model) to your computer here <–
Key Assumptions
The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.
- Number of Customers Per Month: 2,000
- Average Revenue per Month: $400,000
- Office Lease per Year: $100,000
Financial Projections
Income Statement
| FY 1 | FY 2 | FY 3 | FY 4 | FY 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | ||||||
| Total Revenues | $360,000 | $793,728 | $875,006 | $964,606 | $1,063,382 | |
| Expenses & Costs | ||||||
| Cost of goods sold | $64,800 | $142,871 | $157,501 | $173,629 | $191,409 | |
| Lease | $50,000 | $51,250 | $52,531 | $53,845 | $55,191 | |
| Marketing | $10,000 | $8,000 | $8,000 | $8,000 | $8,000 | |
| Salaries | $157,015 | $214,030 | $235,968 | $247,766 | $260,155 | |
| Initial expenditure | $10,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Total Expenses & Costs | $291,815 | $416,151 | $454,000 | $483,240 | $514,754 | |
| EBITDA | $68,185 | $377,577 | $421,005 | $481,366 | $548,628 | |
| Depreciation | $27,160 | $27,160 | $27,160 | $27,160 | $27,160 | |
| EBIT | $41,025 | $350,417 | $393,845 | $454,206 | $521,468 | |
| Interest | $23,462 | $20,529 | $17,596 | $14,664 | $11,731 | |
| PRETAX INCOME | $17,563 | $329,888 | $376,249 | $439,543 | $509,737 | |
| Net Operating Loss | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Use of Net Operating Loss | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Taxable Income | $17,563 | $329,888 | $376,249 | $439,543 | $509,737 | |
| Income Tax Expense | $6,147 | $115,461 | $131,687 | $153,840 | $178,408 | |
| NET INCOME | $11,416 | $214,427 | $244,562 | $285,703 | $331,329 |
Balance Sheet
| FY 1 | FY 2 | FY 3 | FY 4 | FY 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||||||
| Cash | $154,257 | $348,760 | $573,195 | $838,550 | $1,149,286 | |
| Accounts receivable | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Inventory | $30,000 | $33,072 | $36,459 | $40,192 | $44,308 | |
| Total Current Assets | $184,257 | $381,832 | $609,654 | $878,742 | $1,193,594 | |
| Fixed assets | $180,950 | $180,950 | $180,950 | $180,950 | $180,950 | |
| Depreciation | $27,160 | $54,320 | $81,480 | $108,640 | $135,800 | |
| Net fixed assets | $153,790 | $126,630 | $99,470 | $72,310 | $45,150 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | $338,047 | $508,462 | $709,124 | $951,052 | $1,238,744 | |
| LIABILITIES & EQUITY | ||||||
| Debt | $315,831 | $270,713 | $225,594 | $180,475 | $135,356 | |
| Accounts payable | $10,800 | $11,906 | $13,125 | $14,469 | $15,951 | |
| Total Liability | $326,631 | $282,618 | $238,719 | $194,944 | $151,307 | |
| Share Capital | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Retained earnings | $11,416 | $225,843 | $470,405 | $756,108 | $1,087,437 | |
| Total Equity | $11,416 | $225,843 | $470,405 | $756,108 | $1,087,437 | |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY | $338,047 | $508,462 | $709,124 | $951,052 | $1,238,744 |
Cash Flow Statement
| FY 1 | FY 2 | FY 3 | FY 4 | FY 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS | ||||||
| Net Income (Loss) | $11,416 | $214,427 | $244,562 | $285,703 | $331,329 | |
| Change in working capital | ($19,200) | ($1,966) | ($2,167) | ($2,389) | ($2,634) | |
| Depreciation | $27,160 | $27,160 | $27,160 | $27,160 | $27,160 | |
| Net Cash Flow from Operations | $19,376 | $239,621 | $269,554 | $310,473 | $355,855 | |
| CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENTS | ||||||
| Investment | ($180,950) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Net Cash Flow from Investments | ($180,950) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING | ||||||
| Cash from equity | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Cash from debt | $315,831 | ($45,119) | ($45,119) | ($45,119) | ($45,119) | |
| Net Cash Flow from Financing | $315,831 | ($45,119) | ($45,119) | ($45,119) | ($45,119) | |
| Net Cash Flow | $154,257 | $194,502 | $224,436 | $265,355 | $310,736 | |
| Cash at Beginning of Period | $0 | $154,257 | $348,760 | $573,195 | $838,550 | |
| Cash at End of Period | $154,257 | $348,760 | $573,195 | $838,550 | $1,149,286 |
Bowling Alley Business Plan FAQs
What Is a Bowling Alley Business Plan?
A bowling alley business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your bowling alley business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.
You can easily complete your Bowling Alley business plan using our Bowling Alley Business Plan Template here.
What are the Main Types of Bowling Alley Businesses?
There are a number of different kinds of bowling alley businesses, some examples include: Kid-Friendly Bowling Alley, Nightlife-Oriented Bowling Alley, and Sports-Complex Bowling Alley.
How Do You Get Funding for Your Bowling Alley Business Plan?
Bowling Alley businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.
What are the Steps To Start a Bowling Alley Business?
Starting a bowling alley business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.
1. Develop A Bowling Alley Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed bowling alley business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.
2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your bowling alley business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your bowling alley business is in compliance with local laws.
3. Register Your Bowling Alley Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your bowling alley business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.
4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your bowling alley business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.
5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.
6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.
7. Acquire Necessary Bowling Alley Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your bowling alley business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.
8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your bowling alley business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.
Learn more about how to start a successful bowling alley business: