LAKEPORT — A new look and attitude at Lakeside Lanes in Lakeport has bowled over patrons and bumped up attendance.
Owners Charley and Kristi Richardson said they decided to open the venue because they saw a great need for activities for children and families in Lake County.
On Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. the business is welcoming everybody to bowl, play Lazer Tag, eat and have a soft drink — all for free. The celebration, a VIP party, kicks off the opening of summer leagues.
Additionally, when schools let out for the summer all Lake County students are invited for one free game with shoes included for every day of vacation.
Charley”s mother and step-father, Julie and Jack Wright, recently moved to Lake County from Napa to manage the business. His brother, John, does the accounting and runs the back office.
The restaurant, Richardson”s Ribs, now serves full meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner. All of the arcade games have been fixed and new games brought in. The bowling lanes are revitalized and everything is fully operational.
The air conditioning has been repaired. Charley said this was a “much-needed improvement.”
The Lazer Tag area boasts 4,ooo square-feet. All the equipment is modern and new. As many as 40 people can participate at one time. There”s even a Lazer Tag party area. The cost is less than a trip to the movie theater.
The venue will host eight sober grad events.
And as far as bowling is concerned, Charley said, “we”re taking the old concepts of bowling to another level. Seven leagues are forming and we have family fun leagues and starter leagues.”
The “Cosmic Bowling” experience takes place Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to midnight and the venue is transformed by use of special effects lighting, fog and music. Each week will feature a different theme.
The family, long-time residents of Lake County, said customers have been thrilled with the changes and many more are in the works.
For more information call 263-4828.
