Pins Mechanical – Duckpin World

The stage is set for a bit of a duckpin showdown in Indianapolis. Successful social duckpin developer and operator Pins Mechanical is set to open their newest location only a short distance from established centers, Action Bowl and Atomic Bowl, in Fountain Square.

Pins Mechanical locations feature the “social” version of duckpin as an adjunct to its entertainment business. The lanes are shorter, ranging from 32-48 feet depending on the location and building. They usually do not have approaches and do not require bowling shoes.

Action Bowl, on the 4th floor of the Fountain Square Building has 8 duckpin lanes with string pinsetters. Atomic Bowl, located in the basement of the same building features genuine 1950’s and 60’s equipment. Both centers were sanctioned by the National Duckpin Bowling Congress in 1991, but are not sanctioned today.

Industry eyes will be watching. Will both types continue to garner business? Will Action/Atomic benefit from the introduction of Pins Mechanical which seeks a younger demographic? Or, will the social duckpin craze prove to be more popular with today’s consumers that look for social experiences where activities like duckpin bowling are an aside, and not the main event?

Only time will tell for sure.

Troy Allen’s Rise Brands is on a roll, with three locations already open throughout Ohio. The concept of Pins Mechanical Co. combines pinball, duckpin bowling, and great drinks. Interestingly, none of the current venues serve food, but have food trucks and neighborhood food providers for hungry patrons. Its a complement to the company’s 16-Bit, an arcade-based venue.

Last week, Allen announced that four new locations have been procured and are in various stages of development. The new locations are Nashville, Charlotte, Indianapolis, and Cleveland. As they gain experience, they are making each location bigger to accommodate the crowds and to host large parties and corporate events. The Cleveland location is expected to start construction at the end of 2019 while the others are already being developed with expected opening dates in late 2019 or early 2020.

Allen added that additional locations in those areas are likely as their plan is to use a “hub-and-spoke model,” where one urban location is followed by additional suburban units. He also let slip that they are already researching markets in other states too.

It seems duckpin bowling is pretty popular these days and entertainment centers such as Pins Mechanical Co. seem to have the right formula to bring people in to bowl. They are currently installing 26-foot lanes with 8-foot approaches. As has become the norm, Qubica/AMF machines are used for the pinsetters.

An interesting aspect about this news is the location in Indianapolis. When completed, along with other recent announcements, Indianapolis will have 8 duckpin venues. This elevates the area and again raises the question as to whether regulation/sanctioned duckpin could grow in this midwest city.

News from Clevescene.com – Ohio City to Get a Combined 16-Bit and Pins Mechanical Co.

Tag: Pins Mechanical

Showdown in Indianapolis

Pins Mechanical to Open 4 New Locations