Overview:
Gardner Candlepin Bowling, formerly known as Brian's Bowlaway, has been refurbished by developer Tony Molina, who purchased the establishment from Brian Favreau earlier this year. Molina has spent $130,000 on upgrades so far, with plans to spend an additional $70,000 by the end of the year. The bowling alley has been in operation since the 1930s and has undergone several ownership changes.
GARDNER – Developer Tony Molina’s crews spent much of the summer cleaning up and refurbishing the former Brian’s Bowlaway at 123 Main St. in Gardner.
The bowling alley, now known as Gardner Candlepin Bowling, has gone through several owners since it first opened in the 1930s. Brian Favreau owned and operated the establishment since 1988 before retiring and selling it to Molina earlier this year.
Molina said he began investing in the City of Gardner around two years ago and has since purchased and refurbished a number of properties in and around downtown. The bowling alley was his latest project. Molina said he saw an opportunity to improve the facility and contribute to the area’s quality of life.
“I’m really hoping that more people from Athol and the towns around there will come check us out,” he said.
“Real estate is great and all, but Brian (Favreau) was a guy I knew and he came and talked to us and asked, ‘Do you want to own a bowling alley?’” he added. “So, I said, ‘When are you ready to sell it?’ So, eventually we made a deal to buy it.”
Molina explained he has spent about $130,000 upgrading the bowling alley and anticipates spending another $70,000 by the end of the year.
Molina gives much of the credit for the building’s progress to Athol’s Bob Marion, who agreed to stay on as manager. Marion said he had brought in an experienced mechanic to go over each pinsetter that re-racks the pins between frames. In addition, all 14 of the maplewood lanes have been resurfaced.
Molina said he’s considering installing electronic scorekeepers, but doesn’t want the business to be “too digital” and hopes to maintain its historical nature.
“When it comes to investment it’s not necessarily about making a quick dollar. It’s also contributing something to the community,” he said. “When people see the place, the money will eventually come and, while it takes time, the place will turn around.
“This bowling alley has been here a very, very long time,” he continued. “It’s interesting to hear the history of it, and if I can get enough people through the door to at least carry the cost of keeping it open, I’ll keep it open out of loyalty to the community. It would be a shame for it to go away.”
Marion said the current bowling season is off to a good start, with seven leagues during the week.
Gardner Candlepin Bowling is open six days a week: Monday and Tuesday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 978-894-7350 for more information.
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.