Bowlmor Lanes to Open a 'Boutique Bowling Alley' at Site of Former Rip Van Winkle Lanes

An announcement from Bowlmor Lanes, which has taken over the bowling alley formerly known as AMF Rip Van Winkle Lanes and made plenty of changes:

Bowlmor Lanes, New York City’s popular upscale bowling and entertainment concept, announced today that it will open Connecticut’s first-ever boutique bowling alley,Bowlmor Lanes Norwalk, on Dec. 5.

Located at 701 Connecticut Ave., the 38-lane bowling alley will feature best-in-class bowling, an adrenaline-pumping laser tag arena, inventive food and drink selections, and superior service all set against a stunning luxe backdrop.

Easily accessible from I-95, Bowlmor Norwalk will be a one-stop-destination for sport, nightlife, and social entertainment. Characterized by its signature, mid-century modern aesthetic, the trendy venue is designed to cater to groups of all sizes. Whether it’s a Saturday night out, a birthday party, or a corporate event, Bowlmor Norwalk offers the ultimate dining, gaming, and partying experience.

“For the first time ever, Fairfield County residents can enjoy an upscale gaming and entertainment experience right in their own neighborhood,” said Tom Shannon, chief executive officer, chairman, and president of Bowlmor AMF. “Bowling brings people together for fun, games, and a guaranteed good time so the holiday season is the perfect time for Bowlmor to open its doors in the Connecticut area.”

World-Class Design

Designed by Studio Lemonade, Bowlmor Norwalk features a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that blends mid-century modern with east coast architectural designs to create a contemporary, sleek space. Unlike traditional bowling alleys, the lanes at Bowlmor Norwalk include a blue acrylic finish that gives off an exotic glow—one reminiscent of lounging by a poolside cabana. Other notable accents include a centralized fireplace, classic Eames loungers, “Mad Men”-style sofas, vintage artwork from the 1970s, and a grand bowstring truss ceiling which creates a wide open space that’s perfect for events. Lighting from Sputnik lamps and vintage sconces adds to the atmosphere, creating an intimate, relaxed ambiance.

Game On!

The ultramodern bowling facility will feature oversized video screens at the end of each lane, high-definition flat-screen TVs throughout, and a fully equipped DJ booth. The new location will feature a futuristic laser tag arena where teams can battle it out and embark on an urban mission virtual adventure. In addition, the venue’s gaming center will house an arcade packed with today’s most popular amusements for children and adults alike.

Innovative Eats

Beyond the games, Bowlmor Norwalk will feature a full-service kitchen serving up innovative spins on classic, gourmet American cuisine, with mouthwatering, signature items such as the 5-lb Behemoth Burger (made for sharing), The Ultimate Grilled Cheese, Dolce Pollo Barbeque Flatbread, and Monster Cookie Melt. The specially designed menu was crafted by Bowlmor AMF Executive Chef Edward Porter, recent winner of Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games cooking competition. Complementing these culinary offerings are Bowlmor’s original cocktails like the “Madhattan” and the “Speakeasy Sangria.

Group Play and Corporate Events

Dedicated to providing superior service, Bowlmor Norwalk is designed to host group events of any size and can accommodate parties with hundreds of guests. Whether its birthday parties, corporate events, or holiday gatherings, Bowlmor Norwalk’s professional event planners can customize any party to ensure it’s a striking success.

For more information on Bowlmor Norwalk, please visit www.bowlmor.com.

About Bowlmor AMF

Bowlmor AMF is the largest operator of bowling centers in the world, with 340 domestic locations and 8 locations in Mexico that specialize in corporate and special events, as well as league and walk-in retail bowling. The company was created in 2013 following the merger of Bowlmor, an upscale bowling and entertainment company, and AMF Bowling Worldwide. Bowlmor AMF acquired Brunswick’s bowling center business in 2014, and its portfolio of bowling retail brands includes AMF, Bowlmor Lanes, Bowlero, Brunswick Bowling, Brunswick Zone, Brunswick Zone XL and Brunswick’s brands. For more information, please visit www.bowlmor.com, www.amf.com, www.bowlero.com and www.bowlbrunswick.com.

Picture: From Bowlmor.com