Last week saw Andretti Karting, the indoor go-kart king, opening its 6th location. The 100,000 square foot facility is located in The Colony, part of the Dallas suburbs. What makes this location a bit different? They have brought duckpin bowling to Dallas.

With 8 lanes located on the second floor, the lanes are equipped with string pinsetters and appear to be longer than we have been seeing in other entertainment centers. Duckpin here is part of Andretti’s “upscale bowling lounge” experience.

What exactly is duck pin bowling? It’s bowling escalated to the comfort and style that caters to your every need. Four projection screens and 8 custom designed lanes glowing with black lights are just the beginning of your enjoyment.

https://andrettikarting.com/thecolony/play/boutique-bowling/

However, the lanes themselves don’t appear to be regulation length, but it is difficult to tell for sure from the limited photos available. We at DuckpinWorld have been trying to reach management for more information, but have thus far been unable to confirm any specifications other than what is apparent in the photographs. They are using regulation duckpins, as opposed to the mini-bowling that some businesses have opted for.

Andretti’s main focus is Karting and social gatherings, but they have learned that providing other amusements and recreation substantially improves the overall business. The Colony location, like the one in North Atlanta, also has a focus on fine scratch-made food and beverage.

Elsewhere in the building, they offer video games, pinball, laser tag, indoor rope course, the Dark Ride motion theater, and a number of other activities for singles or groups. With more than 100 HDTVs throughout the facility, your group can relax and catch your favorite team while enjoying one of the many craft beers with slow smoked ribs grilled or pizza cooked in their special Brick Oven.

Mark Schulman has built several of his Schulman Movie Bowl Grille locations, but he wanted the one in his hometown of Waco, Texas, to be bigger and better. Besides a multi-screen movie theater, 30 lanes of tenpin bowling, an arcade, and a full-service restaurant, he will be creating a separate area for some form of duckpin bowling. The 300-plus acre complex will be owned under MKT Real Estate Holdings LLC and developed by 58 Aggie Development LLC. Schulman is targeting the Summer of 2020 to have the complex completed.

Since his plans are not final yet, we don’t know if the duckpin portion will be regulation lanes or the shorter entertainment-style 26-ft lanes, but any new introduction of the sport is a positive move. There is still an opportunity for someone in the duckpin world to reach out and try to convince him that a regulation-size setup brings more long-term potential.

In an interview with Mike Copeland of the Waco Tribune-Herald, Schulman mentioned that leagues are not their target nor a priority for the bowling business. However, he does describe a seasonal volatility and even short-season leagues for duckpin could help bring in business during the “valleys” in business revenues.

The complex is expected to bring in 275 jobs with 75 or more being full-time. Some of those positions will be seasonal.

The complex’s full-service restaurant, Billy’s Grille & Bar, will a “mix of George’s and Cheddar’s, and maybe toss in a little bit of Texas Roadhouse or Saltgrass.” The restaurant menu will include burgers, steaks, seafood, salads, pizza and appetizers. He expects to have at least 86 craft beers available, and TV screens will provide an array of viewing options.

Waco Tribune-Herald – Mike Copeland: More on Forthcoming Entertainment Complex