Business Comings & Goings: Few Changes Expected at Arena Lanes

It’s official, at 4700 W. 103^rd St.

Bard regained control of the bowling center last Wednesday, 11 years after first leasing it to Brunswick Corp.

“They wanted to renew,” he said. “I did not want them to renew. It was my decision not to renew the lease.”

“I was not happy with Brunswick,” Bard said referring to problems the company had with complaints, police visits and a gang-related shooting in 2010.

Bard said there will be few changes at first.

One will be painting the bowling center’s interior.

“Nobody liked the Brunswick color scheme,” he said. “I’m leaning toward earth tones.”

“I’m going to get rid of some of the stupid corporate rules,” he said. “But I’m probably going to keep most of the staff.”

Bard said he would have to relearn some of the business.

“I’ve been on vacation for 11 years,” he said with a laugh. “Linda, the manager, will help. She’s staying around.”

Also helping will be Bard’s wife and their daughter, at least until school starts next month. She works as a school counselor.

The Bard family opened the bowling alley with 24 lanes in 1956 and added 16 lanes in 1962.

For information, call 708-425-0900 or visit Arena Lanes on Facebook. A website is in the works.

Jump Zone Opens

Jump Zone, an 11,000-square-foot indoor party and play center, has opened at 10140 Virginia Ave. in Chicago Ridge. For information, call 708-572-0155 or visit Jump Zone.

Oak Ridge Family Dental Adds Staff

Dr. Meghan E. Gaffney recently joined the staff at , 4445 W. 95^th St.

Dr. Gaffney grew up in Lemont and graduated cum laude in 2008 from Creighton University in Omaha with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In 2012, Dr. Gaffney graduated with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Creighton’s School of Dentistry. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Illinois Dental Society and the Chicago Dental Society.

While living in Nebraska, Dr. Gaffney was a dance instructor at Craio na Tire Studio of Irish Dance.

Crazy 8 is Hiring

Crazy 8 children’s clothing store opening soon at Chicago Ridge Mall is hiring part-time sales associates.

Position is 12-20 hours per week. Apply in person at the Crazy 8’s sister store, Gymboree, in the mall or online at Gymboree.

Credit Union 1 Opens

Lombard-based Credit Union 1 has opened a branch at 5535 W. 95^th St.

The credit union began in 1958 as the Chanute Military Credit Union at Chanute Air Force Base in downstate Rantoul. It changed its name in 1982 after the Air Force closed the base. In 1999, it merged with Paysaver Credit Union.

The credit union has more than 87,000 members, mostly in Illinois and Indiana.

For information, call 708-422-0124 or 800-252-6950 or visit Credit Union 1.

Farmers Market Features Pair

Today’s Oak Lawn Farmers Market is featuring Met Life insurance and Mary Kay representative Lesley Klauk.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bob@chicago-patch.com.

You can also catch up on Comings & Goings in other parts of the Southland at www.southlandbusinessnews.blogspot.com.