You need a minimum of $650,000 to open a standard bowling alley. According to the RSMeans Data Construction Estimate Software, building a union labor bowling alley can cost up to $119.75 for every square foot. For an open shop, that decreases to $112.48 per square foot. If you add the contractor and architectural fees, the price per square foot increases to $160.17 and $150.44, respectively.
The bowling equipment itself requires 87 feet – this includes the approach (16 feet), the lane and pinsetter machine (67.5 feet), and a service aisle (minimum 3.5 feet) behind the pinsetter. Bowling.com estimates that for a new location, expect to spend $90,000 – $110,000 per lane, including land, building, and equipment, and $50,000 – $65,000 per lane if renovating an existing bowling center. Consequently, a 2-lane residential project can run anywhere from $120,000.00 to $195,000.00 or more with installation.
Profitability of Bowling Alleys
On average, it costs around an estimated $650,000 to start a Bowling Alley, with each lane costing $30,000 to $75,000.
The average bowling alley can expect to make approximately $36,750 per lane annually. As of 2019, industry reports concluded the bowling industry in the United States generated $4 billion in revenue and was expected to grow.
For a residential bowling lane, the total cost may range from $120,000 to $195,000, depending on customizations.
Starting a Bowling Alley Business
Overall, the cost of construction for a bowling alley building and parking lot can range from $6.3 million to $9.5 million for a standard size building with a 100-car parking lot. Rent costs for your bowling alley business will depend on your location.
As a pro business consultant, I’ve seen commercial real estate for launching a bowling alley can be a significant expense.
Draft a business plan that aligns with your vision. Determine whether you want to open a family entertainment center, a boutique bowling center, a hybrid center, or a traditional bowling alley.
Assuming a start-up cost of $1.5 million, the bowling alley will need to generate around 200,000 games per year to break even.
The bowling alley is a capital-intensive venture.
Discover our comprehensive guide on how to start a bowling alley. It provides essential information to help you determine the feasibility of this business.
Fountain Bowl Sale
The original owners of the Fountain Bowl, a local bowling alley located at 17110 Brookhurst St. in Fountain Valley, California, sold the retail building to a private investor for $17.4 million, or about $283 per square foot.