The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce spotlight for February is Pin-A-Rama bowling alley, located in downtown art 207 West Daggett Street Antwerp, Ohio.
The owners of this newly purchased and remodeled business are Reggie and Brandi Clem. Regan and Lindsay Clem. If you want to take a step back in time, visit this uniquely renovated bowling alley/diner/pizza establishment. Pinball machines, 50’s retro dining look, craft bottled sodas, milk shakes, hamburgers and hot bologna sandwiches made on Bob and Virg’s magical grill, Ruth’s famous cole slaw and a variety of pizza make this place a must go to for friends and family events.
When the Hogan family decided to sell the bowling alley, Reggie and Regan and their father Rollie Clem, hated to see the bowling alley disappear. Without the bowling alley, there really wasn’t a place outside of church, bars and school activities for people to get to know one another and have a good time. There wasn’t a place for a family to have a fun night out in our little town. The Clems wanted to continue to make that happen, so they took a chance and are bringing the place back to life like we all remembered about it from our childhoods growing up.
The Pin-a-Rama was built in 1957 by Bob Johnson and Virgil Meyers. Many Antwerpians remember time spent at the bowling alley. Friday night bowling when there were no ballgames, birthday parties with friends, bowling in leagues both in high school gym classes and then later as adults. The famous fried bologna sandwiches. Bob and Virg sold the business in the 90’s and it has changed many hands and business names as well. The Clems are determined to bring back the wonderful burgers and fun that Bob and Virg had created.
The bowling alley is the only one in Ohio west of Defiance. It is a great place to have parties and the benefits is you don’t have to clean up the mess. One of the best things they love to hear is about how the burgers bring back memories of when they were growing up and spending time at the bowling alley.
Reggie and Regan are most proud of the support the business has received from the community. While this has been a huge learning curve for them, the community has been awesome and supportive through it all. They are looking forward to serving the community for years to come. Pin-a-Rama is more than just a bowling alley. It is a place to grab a good burger, shake or malt. It’s a place to get a pizza and share with friends. It’s a place to play pinball and have a good time. It’s a place to have a party with friends. It’s a place where friendships are made and grow. In fact, they have already had several couples who have had their first date at the bowling alley.
When you walk into their business you can expect to travel back in time to a place where the burgers are fresh, the shakes are great and friendships are made. What makes them unique is the taste of the burgers, the large variety of craft sodas and just a fun 50’s diner feel.
Reggie has several bowling leagues organized including one during the daytime and a kid’s league on Saturdays. Monday afternoons from 3-5:30 there is unlimited bowling and a free craft soda for $5.
Regan and Reggie commented “Here is our commitment to all of you though. We will strive to get better and better. We will be better next time than we are this time. We want Pin-A-Rama to be one of your favorite places in the whole world, just like it was for us when we were growing up. We want to be a place where people build friendships and our community is made better.”
The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner with Pin-A-Rama in the growth of Antwerp and the surrounding community.
