Upscale bowling alley rolls into Moorpark, part of a growing trend
Lucky Strike chose Moorpark to fill a void.
Known for its upscale outlets in places like Hollywood and San Francisco, Lucky Strike opened its first bowling alley in Ventura County Dec. 8 at the Village at Moorpark mall on East Los Angeles Avenue.
“Here in Moorpark, there isn’t a lot of entertainment going on,” said Jacob Bennett, district manager for Bowlero, the company that owns Lucky Strike.
The city has needed a venue such as Lucky Strike, said Chad Garcia, a Newbury Park resident who bowled Thursday.
“It’s a pretty quiet town with a couple shopping centers,” he said, predicting more people will come to Lucky Strike as they learn about it.
Garcia isn’t alone in thinking Moorpark, a city of about 36,000 people, needs entertainment.
Residents have told the city government they would like to see more venues such as movie theaters and wine bars, Deputy Community Development Director Doug Spondello said. The city's last movie theater, Moorpark Cinema 3, closed in 2010.
“Residents want a place they can go after work to gather with families and colleagues,” Economic Development Director John Bandek said. “We encourage these types of businesses to open in Moorpark.”
The Moorpark Planning Commission approved a conditional-use permit for Lucky Strike in January 2023. Lucky Strike's presence in Moorpark means residents don't have to drive to Simi Valley or Thousand Oaks to bowl.
“We’re happy to keep that business here," Spondello said.
The new outlet is at the former Dick’s Sporting Goods store, which closed in 2022. It features 40 bowling lanes and an arcade with more than 80 games. Lucky Strike has its grand opening Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Customers will get one free bowling game, a $5 arcade card, appetizers and complimentary Champagne and wine tastings. A DJ will entertain.
Upscale bowling 'a growing trend'
Carrie Underwood's song “Before He Cheats” blared from speakers as customers walked Thursday afternoon past a classic, red-and-white Ford Mustang in the lobby and toward a large video arcade with air hockey tables. Right beyond that, was a long bar and a big dining area with red-tinted mood lighting, a stylish dark wood floor and an art deco vibe.
As bowlers started to play, servers came to the lanes to take orders for food and drinks. Customers also could select everything from a chocolate chip cookie melt to a pizza from a video kiosk in front of their lane. They could also sit in the dining area or go up to a counter and order food.
“We pride ourselves on an upscale dining experience, a full food menu, a full bar and gorgeous lights,” Bennett said. Bowlero also operates the Bowlero bowling alley at The Collection mall in Oxnard.
The Lucky Strike menu features hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, a chicken Caesar salad and appetizers such as fries, tacos and wings. Drinks vary from beers on tap to margaritas and the Boozy Blue Long Island.
"There’s something for everybody" at the facility whether it's food or fun, Bennett said.
Upscale bowling alleys with fine dining is a growing national trend, said Bart Burger, director of membership and educational services for Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America.
“It’s not your traditional menu in a fast food environment," he said. "You can get sushi and steak at some places.”
Lucky Strike typically costs $38 to $58 for a lane that may be used by up to six people. The alley is open afternoons and evenings — as late as 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Dave Mason covers East County for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at dave.mason@vcstar.com or 805-437-0232.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Upscale bowling alley rolls into Moorpark, part of a growing trend
