January 21, 200916 yr Not weekly, but regular yes. I also quit working there due to conditions. In the end, I was a consumer who is no longer a consumer. I am merely stating the reasons why I quit going. I have several friends who bowled in leagues and choose to go all the way to Colerain Bowl over Western Bowl because of the conditions of the place. Other regular bowlers I know refused to go there due to lane conditions.
January 21, 200916 yr Other regular bowlers I know refused to go there due to lane conditions. Really? I always found the Western Bowl lanes to be among the best in town. When you say "lane conditions" are you talking about surface quality?
January 21, 200916 yr Other regular bowlers I know refused to go there due to lane conditions. Really? I always found the Western Bowl lanes to be among the best in town. When you say "lane conditions" are you talking about surface quality? Randy, I believe you may be psycho analyzing the issue here! I have been in the building many times within the past 6 months and I will admit that they keep the place extremely presentable. Is it new decor? No, but that is part of the nostalgia of the place! Plain and simple, the shear SIZE of the place may have got the best of them. It was great when built, but not economical by 2009 standards.
January 21, 200916 yr Other regular bowlers I know refused to go there due to lane conditions. When you say "lane conditions" are you talking about surface quality? Yes.
January 21, 200916 yr Everyone has their own opinion on lane conditions, they are either too hard not hard enough. Use more oil, less oil, different patterns, we hear it all the time. For those 5 that complain about Western Bowl's conditions there are 50 more that love them, just like at Colerain, Princeton,and every other center in the area. I can just say that just about every large center in the area knows their piece of ground is worth more then their business. Unless of course it is a ten lane center. All of the centers that are larger are struggling. Believe me! All I know is the Hoinke family has done a lot for the sport of bowling regardless of how you feel about the place. Western Bowl and Erv are known all over the U.S. and what the Hoinke family has meant to bowling. This just doesn't affect Western Hills, it affects the whole bowling community. The large centers are going away especially in this area. A lot of people do not view bowling as a sport either.
January 21, 200916 yr A lot of people do not view bowling as a sport either. Bowling is definitely a sport. Those pictures that oakie posted got thinking that documenting the final days of Western Bowl would make a decent film school project. Someone could interview the family, employees, best customers, former Hoinke Classic winners, surrounding business owners, etc and put together a neat short film. I'll bet that there's some great old tournament footage that could be used, and the final shot could have a camera set up in the alley as the lights are turned off for the last time, leading abruptly to the credits. Too bad I'm in business school and not film school...
January 21, 200916 yr That's what we were actually thinking of doing! We are trying to figure out the best way to get everything on video. So if anyone knows of someone that does that sort of thing let me know. We have things we are doing as a whole family also. Russell and I have a 3 and 4 year old, that will never get to see the bowl in it's heyday or really won't remember, which is sad. Thanks for the pictures!!:)
January 21, 200916 yr Amy, I know it's early in the whole process and you guys have a million things to do and think about, but curious as to if you and Russ have discussed what might become of the iconic sign out front?
January 21, 200916 yr ^Isn't there an American sign museum in town? I think it would be great if the Iconic sign became a part of the museum. It is going to be weird driving down Glenway and not seeing the Western Bowl.
January 21, 200916 yr I have a lot of memories from Western Bowl. I still remember going up there when i was a kid and watching my mom bowl in day leagues....used to love hitting the popcorn slot machine (for a penny or so, it would spit out enough popcorn to fill a tiny brown bag). Mom could keep me occupied for hours w/ pocket change. Then in grade school we would ride our bikes up there and hit Doc Hollidays. Sometimes we'd bowl if we had a 2 for 1 coupon (which we did more often than not). In high school, I had a few first dates that started at Western Bowl. Also, if I'm not mistaken, we stopped at WB on my first intoxicated evening. In college, guys from the football team would go up there on Friday nights and we'd do "slush puppy frames" since there was no drinking on nights before Sat. games. I will definitely miss that place!
January 21, 200916 yr Haha. Doc holidays!!!! That was the shizzit back before everybody got a Nintendo or Sega. We would ride our bikes up there just to play Rampage everyday all summer long. Not that Glenway is anything close to an entertainment strip, but Custers, Doc Holliday, and WB was our own little playground for those of us that grew up around here. PRICELESS MEMORIES!!! Glenway will never be the same.
January 21, 200916 yr Haha. Doc holidays!!!! That was the shizzit back before everybody got a Nintendo or Sega. We would ride our bikes up there just to play Rampage everyday all summer long. Not that Glenway is anything close to an entertainment strip, but Custers, Doc Holliday, and WB was our own little playground for those of us that grew up around here. PRICELESS MEMORIES!!! Glenway will never be the same. That explains quite a bit!!! :wink2:
January 21, 200916 yr You better collect all those loose tickets you have laying around and turn them in for prizes before they expire!!!
January 21, 200916 yr Well, considering Doc's has been closed for the better part of o 15 or so years, I'd guess my chances are slim to none on redeeming them for that Walkman!
January 22, 200916 yr I don't know about the sign. I told Russell one of us needs it at our home! Don't think it would fit. We have seen the sign museum and have talked about it. I am sure we will donate it somewhere, it will either be donated or stay in the family. I think others should enjoy it. We are having people coming out of the woodwork wanting to buy equipment. I think it is starting to sink in. I know we will auction things off, sure people will get pissed that we may make a buck or two off of of an auction:) I think selling pins or part of lanes would be nice. Heck maybe even the plastic molded seats!!!!! You all have actually made this easier and I thank you. It would be nice to win the lottery or get a loan!!! We could do something with part of the lanes. Many people suggested that and it is something we thought about. It would take a lot of money to accomplish it. We have collateral in owning Western Commons and still banks are not willing to give out loans. What happened to the bank bailout? I mean really, I don't know who is benefiting from it, other banks? If anyone has any old pictures post them and honestly if you do know someone that does videos or pictures let me know.
January 22, 200916 yr It would be nice to win the lottery or get a loan!!! We could do something with part of the lanes. Many people suggested that and it is something we thought about. It would take a lot of money to accomplish it. Put some sort of platform over the lanes, shut them off, move the pool tables from the back room out into the open, and close off the backroom making it a more bonafide bar/lounge (maybe program it with some live music, karaoke, whatever). By closing off the area you could have controlled access to the alcohol sales and monitor minors more closely. We have collateral in owning Western Commons and still banks are not willing to give out loans. What happened to the bank bailout? I mean really, I don't know who is benefiting from it, other banks? It's clear you're not a fan of the bank bailout (or smoking ban for that matter), but given that we know nothing more about your family's finances than your stated collateral in Western Commons I don't know how we're supposed to make an accurate judgment of the lack of loan situation (although I do agree that not enough money has been freed up).
January 22, 200916 yr Worlds largest indoor nightly Cornhole tourney! Break the lanes down and keep some so u can leave the sign in place. I like the music feature with a dance floor possibly. Christ I dunno! I have tried to think of something WORTH replacing the Bowl, but this is a tough time for any entertainment industry plus the whole credit mess. I would love for the property to stay entertainment oriented instead of being another strip center of restaurant. Hell, I'd rather the township buy it and put a nice park in at very least!
January 22, 200916 yr Uncle Rando, I am a fan of the bailout if it did indeed help those, but most people I know can't get a loan. As far as the smoking ban I think it is a good thing unless you have a privately owned business then I think you should be able to allow smoking. I don't think the government should tell a business owner what they can and can not allow. I am against smoking in public places, my Mother died of Lung Cancer in 2005. I am not going to go into financial details but lets just say we are losing 5 figures every month! Whether the business is paid off or not those are big numbers especially to us. I told you we took salary cuts and then took out no money for ourselves. When a business is losing so much money a bank is not loaning out money plain and simple, they view it as a risk. They view Western Bowl a risk even though the land value is high. What I am stating is we can't borrow against the bowl and even of we put up Western Commons it still won't go through. Western Commons is not paid off you are talking about a 20 million dollar venture with Anchor. Businesses are too risky. I have a friend with a credit rating of 810 who can't get a loan for a house at a reasonable rate. I shared about all I can share with you with out getting too personal and it is a very personal matter. If you have any dealings like we do with commercial real estate companies it is all downhill!!! Western Bowl and western Commons are not all we own but I can tell you it is the most cherished and the one we would do anything to keep. It is not that easy. I really don't think you have a clue what the costs are to maintain a 68 lane center and I doubt you have tried to get a commercial loan either.
February 5, 200916 yr A reprieve for Western Bowl? http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090204/NEWS01/302040085/1055/NEWS The thrum of rolling bowling balls and the crack of tenpins might continue at Western Bowl once it is sold – or maybe not. Rumors have been circulating about the fate of the West Side landmark since news spread in January that the old alley doors would be shuttered for good in May. Today, Russ Hoinke, son of 76-year-old owner Erv Hoinke, wouldn’t deal in rumors but he confirmed that his family has gotten inquiries about keeping the site as a bowling center. He also said negotiations with developers to sell the site first began 18 months ago.
February 5, 200916 yr You know, I have never been by Western Bowl as I really have never gone to the West Side, but even I am very saddened by Western Bowl closing. I feel like the West Side is the whole...nostalgic, Americana side of Cincy, and I think WB was very iconic in that regard. I plead naivete when it comes to the West Side (though I have vowed to fix that this summer) but I think that WB, the original Larosas, Price Hill Chili, and Putz are some of Cincy's most prized institutions as they are really indicative of the insanely unique local culture of Cincinnati. I tried to go to Putz this past summer, but I ended up so lost that I think at one point I was actually driving through Spring Grove Cemetery lol. Randy or Oakiehigh, I might be hitting one of you guys up for a good comprehensive tour of the West Side lol.
February 5, 200916 yr We have no idea what is going on with Western Bowl right now, that is the truth. It could be cleared by the end of the year or it may be standing. We have an option to buy from a developer but we have been contacted by many developers and also bowling centers. We are leaving all of our options open at this point.
February 5, 200916 yr minimimi; I just want to say thanks for posting in this forum. I appreciate it. I hope WB can remain. I have gone bowling there a few times this year, and we usually go to Cancun first then bowl. Last time we went on a Friday evening it was so crowded, we could not get seated at Cancun and we got the last available lane for bowling.
February 8, 200916 yr We love Cancun's too. They have by far the best Mexican food around. I lived in Texas for a long time and know good Mexican food. Russell has to bring home chips and salsa from Cancun's a few times a week for our little ones, they love it. If we do close believe me we have discussed being involved with Jose who owns it. Everything is up in the air right now. We are living day to day trying to decide what to do and the thoughts of closing are being a reality. We've even talked of keeping it, believe me were are trying everything we can to benefit not only us but the Westside. I can honestly tell you all the people that have supported Western Bowl is making it difficult to close. I said I would keep you posted and I promise I will. Thanks, Amy Hoinke
February 11, 200916 yr I just wanted to let you all know since it affects Western Hills, everything is still up in the air. If I could tell you how many people are coming out of the woodwork, for buying as a bowling center, developing the land, etc.. I have a question for all of you, if by chance something happened that our loan was stretched out. What would you like to see happen? A combo bowling center and entertainment complex? A shopping center, not with check cashing places, nor nail salons. What business do you think would thrive if we reduced the number of lanes? I told Russell I would ask to see what all of you would support or at least some of you. Can you give it some thought and post some of them. Believe me we value your opinions, you all have intelligent conversations on the Western Hills you would like to see. Thanks, Amy
February 12, 200916 yr I have a question for all of you, if by chance something happened that our loan was stretched out. What would you like to see happen? See: It would be nice to win the lottery or get a loan!!! We could do something with part of the lanes. Many people suggested that and it is something we thought about. It would take a lot of money to accomplish it. Put some sort of platform over the lanes, shut them off, move the pool tables from the back room out into the open, and close off the backroom making it a more bonafide bar/lounge (maybe program it with some live music, karaoke, whatever). By closing off the area you could have controlled access to the alcohol sales and monitor minors more closely. A combo bowling center and entertainment complex? A shopping center, not with check cashing places, nor nail salons. I'm not sure you can regulate the tenants of the place unless you are managing the retail development yourself. Heck it's hard enough regulating against adult-entertainment uses, much less nail salons.
February 12, 200916 yr Personally, I would LOVE to see a small comedy club similar to Go Bananas on Montgomery Rd. May be a stretch, but I think a comedy club is in SERIOUS NEED over here. I can't tell you the amount of people I know who head down to Newport or Montgomery ALL THE TIME! Another thing I've always wondered is if a SMALL cinema (1 or 2 screens) might fit well on this stretch of Glenway with a diversified entertainment complex like what could be done with WB. I know Showcase and Danbury are close but I've always wondered what an old fashioned theater similar to the old Covedale and Westwood theaters would do. Especially, surrounded by bowling, and maybe comedy, putt putt and a damn good Mexican joint. You can never go wrong with a sports bar that acknowledges the local schools and sports of the area with big screens. (I realize this has already been done en mass, but they seem to be surviving pretty well throughout the westside) The walkability of the area WILL turn out to be the greatest asset for this locale! We know the kids have always taken advantage of this.
February 12, 200916 yr Forgive me, after fivve years of living in Cincinnati, I do not know the answer to what I am about to ask: Does Cincinnati have a good dinner theatre? One that brings in comedy shows with famous actors and actresses? This might be something unique to build into an Western Bowl entertainment complex. We had a dinner theatre like this in the Kansas City Metro that was always packed.
February 12, 200916 yr When I worked at Western Bowl for the Hoinke Tournaments each weekend I heard many complaints about the hotel/lodging options presented to them. Most stayed at the then Imperial House near the I-74 interchange at Harrison Avenue. Maybe a hotel of sorts would work there...lord knows there aren't any reasonable options in the heart of the westside for guests to stay comfortably.
February 13, 200916 yr To second Oakie, if there was a way to transition to a more diversified entertainment center, it would seem to have the possibility of success. I imagine that a performance space for comedy could be used for live music as well and even as a small movie theater.
February 13, 200916 yr We have been bank shopping and talking to so many different people, trying to figure out what is happening. A comedy club is a good idea. We have discussed the live music, at one point we talked about laying out a stage on a certain portion of the lanes. The Billiards room at the bowl is dead, so that is another area. Downstairs where Doc Holiday's was is a large open area. We had a local person who was going to put his business down there but he needed to install an elevator. I think it would be neat to have a lounge type atmosphere down there. In this day of Wii games, I told my husband we could have private rooms for people to rent and play. There are so many ideas going through our heads right now. I just can't believe how difficult it is dealing with banks right now. So many developers can not get loans right now. We have been approached by several companies that would like to use the land but can't find a developer to develop the land. It is just sad. Every time I walk in the bowl it just breaks my heart. My son bowls in a league on Thursday afternoons and yesterday was packed, then you walk in and you won't see a single person. We all have a agreed 68 lanes is too large these days for a bowling center. We have also talked about renovating (if a loan is extended or a miracle happens) and try to figure out how to incorporate another business. If it is sold to a developer, we do not have a say on who will go in. The developers that we have talked to have no plans of check cashing and other businesses that people have been complaining about. There are so many areas that could be transformed and when people talk of how many vacant strip centers there are, the developers know all that, they are looking for the best location. Western Bowl is a great location because of the streets that connect to it and the stop lights. I love hearing new ideas, Russell, I and the rest of the family keep brainstorming. We appreciate all your great ideas. I just really hope we can keep it in our family, for the community and selfishly for my kids too:) There is no other place they want be. They want to go bowling, drink Slush Puppies and of course get our Mexican food fix!!! If you know of any banks, bankers, insurance companies, whoever that are giving out loans, let me know. You think Meijers, Mcdonalds, and all of Western Commons on the hill, would be great collateral but it isn't enough in these down times. Thank you so much, it is truly appreciated:) Keep those ideas coming. Amy
February 13, 200916 yr If it is sold to a developer, we do not have a say on who will go in. The developers that we have talked to have no plans of check cashing and other businesses that people have been complaining about. Get that in writing. Until then it's nothing more than lip service and the public should be aware of that.
February 16, 200916 yr Well if a developer buys it from us they make the plans for who will lease their building. I know one of the developers that has plans, there were no such businesses interested. Most of those stores look for cheap rent and with a new building it would not be cheap rent. Believe me we are still checking all our options, keeping it, developing it ourselves, renovation if loans come forward. I'll have to say the comedy club was one we all liked, so thanks and keep the ideas coming. Amy
February 16, 200916 yr Here is another idea to kinda fit the vibe of western bowl. A Sonic Drive-in Restaurant. Have the wait staff on skates---it is a chain that is popoular in many parts of the country. Inexpensive food that would attract familes. I have seen Sonics in some malls and airports---so it wouldn't nexcessarily have to be a "drive-in". Just another idea.
February 17, 200916 yr ^I miss my Sonic Cherry limeade slushes---I do have an ulterior motive for my suggestion.
February 18, 200916 yr What about a batting cage / indoor driving range? There used to be something like that over where GFS is now.
February 18, 200916 yr Have you thought about just mixing up the pricing structure? I was thinking that instead of paying per game, bowlers could pay per lane per hour or per person per lane per hour, just like all-you-can-bowl specials, but at any time of day, any day of the week. My friends and I tend to bowl a lot of games quickly, and consequently we usually only bowl during specials. We'd end up paying way too much otherwise.
February 18, 200916 yr Here's a poem about Western Bowl that I liked a lot: http://tidingsofmagpies.blogspot.com/2009/02/untitled.html
February 18, 200916 yr Have you thought about just mixing up the pricing structure? I was thinking that instead of paying per game, bowlers could pay per lane per hour or per person per lane per hour, just like all-you-can-bowl specials, but at any time of day, any day of the week. My friends and I tend to bowl a lot of games quickly, and consequently we usually only bowl during specials. We'd end up paying way too much otherwise. They are already doing this. It has said "10 dollars per lane per hour" on the marquee for some time now.
February 18, 200916 yr Really? Cool! I don't live on the west side, so I had no idea. The last few times I've driven over there, I haven't been able to get a lane (for various reasons), and haven't been back in a while.
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