How Well Do You Know River Lanes?

by Jake Schweich

I recently had an opportunity to sit down with Corrine from River Lanes and got her to tell me a little about the story of this family owned business.

While the story she gave me was the short and sweet version I would like to share it with you.

The story starts when Corrine's father, who had been involved with bowling since his teenage years, moved his family away from the cold Wisconsin winters to the beautiful Sunshine State.

In 1978 Corrine's family purchased Shore Lanes in Merritt Island and Corrine got her first taste of what it is like to run a bowling center.

As an aside, I will warn you not to make a mistake I made early on. I errantly called River Lanes a "bowling alley" and was quickly informed that I should not use that term. While everyone at River Lanes has been more than gracious with me as I unlearn the phrase "bowling alley" and re-learn the phrase "bowling center" I completely agree with the reasoning behind the distinction they make.

I will say that Corrine and her family certainly have a passion for bowling, and that could not have been any more evident than when they opened a second bowling center in late 1986... River Lanes.

Shore Lanes was sold in 1991 (which was coincidentally not long after Corrine had her first child and took a break from the bowling center... sure there was no connection?) and focused in on River Lanes.

Over the next several years, River Lanes grew slowly until they found that they had up and outgrown their space. So, in 2006 (just in time for the 20th anniversary) River Lanes finished construction on 8 additional lanes and a brand new restaurant, River City Bar & Grill.

Corrine told me that when they first started the process she thought the expansion would include something more resembling a snack bar than the full scale restaurant that the designer gave them.

I will say that I think the River City Bar & Grill is the "hidden gem" of River Lanes Family Entertainment Center.

When I stopped in with my family to try out the food I expected a typical "concession stand" quality food but was pleasantly surprised to find the food on or better than par with other area restaurants. (And if you have kids you have to check out the mac'n'cheese nuggets!)

I will say that the River City Bar & Grill is a welcome addition to the valuable offerings that River Lanes Family Entertainment Center has for the local Titusville community.

This guest  post offered by Jake Schweich, daddy to two wonderfully energetic boys and natural parenting blogger at DaddyByNature.com.