PALMER TWP., Pa. — A father and son have teamed up to save a staple of the Lehigh Valley’s bowling legacy, preserving a business that has been around for 6 1/2 decades.
Tom and Michael Meischeid of Palmer Township have bought Bar-Don Lanes, a popular bowling alley at 3700 Nicholas St. that has been a fixture of the community since 1958.
The storied business also includes billiards and a bar, recently renamed Rip's Pub.
According to Tom Meischeid, when he and his son found the business was up for sale, they were most interested in preserving the spot as a bowling alley, being they had a personal connection with the place.
“I know that Mike has grown up around the sport and shares a passion for it that many of us have. IMHO, the best chance a bowling center has for a bright future is when a bowler operates it, not a corporation or "businessman" with no background in bowling. Here's to the future of Bar-Don Lanes!”Lee Sandt, co-owner of The Perfect Game Pub and Steel City Bowl and Brews
“Michael had worked at the alley when he was a high school student at Notre Dame," Meischeid said. "Michael displayed his talent for bowling when he threw his first 300 game at Bar-Don in the Junior bowling program.
"We thought preserving the alley for the community would be a good family business and fulfill the previous owner’s wish and the new owner's dream.”
Leagues, special events and food
The father-and-son team was able to lock down the location with help from Unity Bank Financing; terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We were pleased to provide the Meischeid family financing for their new business venture,” Unity Bank Chief Executive Officer James A. Hughes said.
“Over the years, Bar-Don has become a great venue for community activities and special events. We wish the Meischeids continued success with the business for many years to come.”
The Meischeid family now oversee the daily operations of the alley, which includes 24 wood lanes open to leagues, public bowling and special events.
A local Special Olympics group also practices at Bar-Don.
The new owners said they hope to expand league activity and hold additional tournaments in an effort to bring bowling culture back to the Lehigh Valley.
Over at the pub, bowlers can quench their thirsts and enjoy staples such as wings, burgers, cheesesteaks, pizza and more.
Pandemic hit bowling hard
During the early onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic, numerous businesses in the area took a hit — including entertainment-oriented operations such as Slatington Bowling Center, which shuttered its doors in 2021.
Across the river, Phillipsburg’s Warren Lanes closed shop just this past summer, with countless patrons sharing stories of the alley online.
Bowling aficionados in the area initially were concerned about the future for the alley when it was announced Fritz Bone and his family were done with the operation after nearly 60 years.
"So many fond memories of my youth revolve around Bar-Don Lanes. I know that Mike has grown up around the sport and shares a passion for it that many of us have. IMHO, the best chance a bowling center has for a bright future is when a bowler operates it, not a corporation or 'businessman' with no background in bowling."Lee Sandt, co-owner of The Perfect Game Pub and Steel City Bowl and Brews
Upon the announcement of the acquisition of Bar-Don Lanes, bowling patrons throughout the area celebrated the news via Facebook and other social media accounts.
Lee Sandt, co-owner of The Perfect Game Pub and Steel City Bowl and Brews, commended the Meischeids for taking over the operation as opposed to a corporate entity.
"So many fond memories of my youth revolve around Bar-Don Lanes,” Sandt wrote on a Facebook post.
“I know that Mike has grown up around the sport and shares a passion for it that many of us have. IMHO, the best chance a bowling center has for a bright future is when a bowler operates it, not a corporation or "businessman" with no background in bowling.
"Here's to the future of Bar-Don Lanes!”
Bar-Don Lanes is open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, and from noon until 10 p.m. on Sundays.
