By Derek Bates
The sounds of thudding bowling balls and cracking ten pins will soon again be part of the symphony of Montezuma’s nightlife.
After nearly seven years, Star Lanes will re-open its doors Saturday, Oct. 29, under the ownership of Alicia and Jake Thompson of Montezuma.
Once a hub of social activity in town, the building has been vacant and sitting quietly on East Main Street for years.
Passersby might have noticed some activity and exterior work on the building over the last month, and rumors of possibilities were buzzing. But, when new block lettering appeared in the brick insets along the top of the building, there was no doubt Star Lanes was coming back to life.
“We grew up in Montezuma, and there was always so much going on,” said owner and operator Alicia Thompson.” Through the years, we have lost so many things to change – some good and some bad. Most of the time, when a business like a bowling alley closes, it closes for good, never to reopen.”
The Thompsons are hoping to buck that trend.
“The decision to purchase and re-open the bowling center didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it was a two-year-long process of going back and forth and weighing all of the pros and cons,” said Thompson. “The decision really came down to a heartfelt idea that it is what’s best for Montezuma.”
The Thompsons are re-starting a tradition of bowling that has been part of Montezuma’s history for more than 60 years.
A group of investors partnered and bought the old International Harvester Implement building in 1960, and Star Lanes was born.
Dale Watts became sole owner in 1975, followed by Tim Olson in the late 90s and early 2000s, and finally the Long family from 2010-2015, before it fell back into the hands of the bank.
Ever since the Thompsons hosted an open house on Saturday, Oct. 1, community members are ready to lace up their shoes and hit the lanes. The Thompsons want the business to be a reflection of the community, and they welcome input.
“We want to hear from people about what they want to see at Star Lanes,” said Thompson. “We plan to offer a lot of the same services that were offered in the past, with a few additions. We hope people understand if not all things are available as we initially open. Our top priority is to get the doors open. We’ll work out the remaining kinks as we go!”
Thompson added she aims to have the café open within the month with an assortment of pre-packaged snacks, foods, and drinks -with a full menu to come at a later date – and wants it to fill a need in the community, possibly serving customers on Sundays after church and Mondays when many other establishments are closed.
In addition to bowling and food, Star Lanes plans to eventually offer a line of arcade games.
“We want to provide a space for families. We hope to see groups reserve the space for birthday parties and family gatherings outside of normal operating hours,” said Thompson.
Star Lanes will start with open hours on weekend evenings – to include glow bowling, as well – and grow from there.
“We have plans for food and adult beverages. Leagues are a definite possibility, if enough interest is shown. The sky’s the limit,” added Thompson.
Thompson plans to operate Star Lanes with assistance from family and friends. Star Lanes is accepting applications for the positions of manager, cooks, and lane operators. More information, including open hours and service details, are available on their Facebook page, @StarLanesMontezuma, or by calling 641-623-5191.
Mark your calendars for opening night, Saturday, Oct. 29. Dust off your old bowling ball, or pull one off the rack, and be part of the lane of Montezuma’s history that keeps rolling right along