Bowling center set to open Saturday in Shrewsbury

SHREWSBURY — A summer's work of renovation work has transformed a Boston Turnpike bowling alley into "Bowlero Shrewsbury," set to open this weekend.

Bowlero is an updated, trendy brand within Bowlmor AMF, which has owned the alley for several years, said Regional Vice President Rob Califano. When it celebrates its grand opening Saturday, the Shrewsbury center will be the first Bowlero location in the Boston area.

General Manager Paul Clark said the center is meant to be more of a destination than it once was.

"This is meant to be a one-stop entertainment center," he said. "People can come in, bowl, eat food, play at the arcade. We want people to spend as much time here as they'd like."

The hope is to make the center a place that's as welcoming to families as it is for corporate events, birthday parties and other group meet-ups. Though the center's official opening will take place on Saturday, there has already been a soft opening: An area company brought its more than 400 employees to enjoy the center's facilities.

The renovations have been extensive. The center has 40 lanes, all of which have been replaced. At the end of each are new screens, which can display movies, videos and TV broadcasts. The traditional individual seats have been replaced with couches, and food can be delivered straight to the lanes.

The food has been upgraded as well, Califano said. What was once a snack bar is now a full-fledged kitchen.

"The food menu has totally changed," he said, pointing to new items such as a 5-pound burger and an XXL Pretzel. "We also have new drinks, with premium cocktails."

Clark said shareable and fresh menu items represent a new approach to food.

The center also features an overhauled arcade, with new, giant Space Invaders and Pac-Man machines representing modern twists on those classic games. The area is dominated by a huge crane game, allowing players an opportunity to grab oversized prizes.

Previously relegated to an alcove, the center's bar is now front-and-center, immediately greeting visitors as they enter. Before, Clark and Califano said, customers may not have seen the bar at all.

The Saturday grand opening will feature former New England Patriot Rob Ninkovich, and will offer attendees a complimentary round of bowling, a $5 arcade card and samples of the new menu items. Clark said around 300 to 400 people are expected to show that afternoon (the event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

"This has been a long time coming," Clark said. "I'm excited about all the bells and whistles. I think they will really take us forward."