Does anyone have experience underwriting a bowling alley?

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June 17, 2021

by a searcher from Chapman University in Pittsburgh, PA, USA

A bowling alley business with liquor license is for sale (asset sale) in my area. I own a commercial property a few blocks away that is going through zoning to become a food hall (a bar & eatery featuring multiple, independent co-located restaurants) and my operating partner and I see several synergies between the two operations. The location is very attractive and we are initiating pre-due diligence.

The bowling alley is on the second floor of a multi-use property. The current owner owns the building and plans to keep the real estate and lease to the new owner. We've met with the broker, have their valuation report and 4 years of pre-covid tax returns showing a business managed to show de-minimis income. It appears he dials up and down the rent he pays himself and a few other deductions, and the bowling revenues are cash-only so who knows. Alcohol sales are decent, payroll seems bloated and we think with a little modernization, fat cutting and facelift we can make it an attractive business.

Any resources, advice or suggestions on diligence I can perform before incurring accounting expenses via a Quality of Earnings report would be appreciated. I have never underwritten an existing business, let alone one stuck in the 1950's, operating on cash and with owner who doesn't use a smartphone so I'm guessing book/record keeping is non-existent or un-reliable.

Thanks!

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commentor profile
Reply by a professional
from University of Dayton in Columbus, OH, USA
Some DD questions around equipment: What is pin setter age? What type of lanes synthetic or wood? How old are the lanes? What type of equipment (Brunswick or AMF)? Are there automatic scorers? Maintenance records and parts spend are valuable and necessary insight.

Around the business: How many lanes? What are league statues (recurring by year)? Restaurant or bar attached?

Lease can be problematic because of cost incurred to move equipment and disruption to the business should you need to move. One sided from a negotiation perspective. If you have any more questions feel free to reach out.
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Reply by a searcher
in Phoenix, AZ, USA
Not much help besides an observation from a discussion with an owner... I would visit on off-peak days. If they have a strong league bowling following, an alley can pack the place every night. Similar to a restaurant, packing the place on the weekend is relatively easy, but league bowlers are pretty reliable recurring revenue on off peak times.

If they don't currently have busy league nights, is that an opportunity for growth or something structurally wrong with that location (e.g. more of a night club atmosphere, harder to get to on a recurring basis, etc.)
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