Rab's Country Lanes

1600 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10305   |   Phone: 718-979-1600    

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SI Advance: League bowling returns to Rab’s Country Lanes: Proprietor Frank Wilkinson discusses details in Q&A

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By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
Staten Island Advance | Click Here for the Full Story

The doors at Rab’s Country Lanes remind customers to Mask Up also provide the option to open the doors without having to touch the handles.

League bowling returned to Staten Island’s two bowling centers this past week and things looked a little different thanks to the pandemic.

Plastic partitions in between pairs of alleys are in place at Showplace Entertainment Center, while all bowlers must wear face masks in both centers, among other pandemic protocols mandated by the state during these uncertain times.

At Rab’s Country Lanes, proprietor Frank Wilkinson was excited to welcome his league bowlers back after an almost six-month hiatus because of the pandemic.

Here is a question-and-answer session with Wilkinson, son of former late Island bowling great and proprietor Rab Wilkinson.

How has it been going so with league bowlers returning last week?

“Our season officially started this past Tuesday (Sept. 8), so we’re still in the swing of getting the new season up and running. The start of the season is always an exciting time for us, as we get to welcome our bowlers back after not seeing them all summer long, with this season having much more significance, being off after a shortened season on top of the summer. While the season looks and feels very different in the start, it has provided our family and team some normalcy, seeing familiar faces, as well as new faces, back on the lanes with us. Bowlers are overwhelmingly happy to be back to their regular habits, seeing their friends and family while sharing the experience of bowling. The season looks very different, because we are operating at 50% and utilizing every other lane, many of our leagues are bowling in shifts so we can accommodate as many bowlers as possible. Historically, our league business uses most if not all 48 lanes at one time. On the business side, operating at 50% with no indoor dining (for now) is very challenging. We have many league bowlers who did not return, just yet, for understandable reasons.”

There are plenty of hand sanitizers at Rab’s Country Lanes.

Is everyone following protocol?

“For the most part, yes! Our regular customers certainly understand and appreciate that we need to follow the protocols in order to keep their favorite place to bowl open.”

Does Country Lanes have partitions in place in between lanes or pairs of lanes?

At this time we have not installed partitions between bowling lanes. We are operating to the guidelines utilizing every other, allowing for space for bowlers to physical distance between lanes. As always, our patrons come first and we want everyone to feel as comfortable and safe as possible being in our environment enjoying the sport we all love. There is 11 1/2 feet between each pair, so this allows our bowlers to utilize as much of the available space. The guidelines do not require partitions. However, the utilization of partitions potentially allows the use of additional lanes.

What about league bowling? How many bowlers are allowed on a pair of lanes?

“There is no restriction on the number of bowlers per lane/pair of lanes.”

Bowling is back at Country Lanes, but this sign covers all the new protocols patrons must follow during the pandemic.

Do patrons need to wear masks or when do they have to wear them?

“Yes, just like every other facility in the state, masks/face coverings must be worn at all times.”

SI Advance: Rab’s Country Lanes opens doors after being closed for 5 months

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By Nick Regina | nregina@siadvance.com
and Alexandra Salmieri | asalmieri@siadvance.com
Staten Island Advance | silive.com | Click Here for the Full Story & Live Video

Frank Wilkinson, owner of Rab’s County Lanes in Dongan Hills welcomes customers back to his bowling center on August 17, 2020 in Dongan Hills. (Staten Island Advance/ Alexandra Salmieri)

STATEN ISLAND N.Y. — The clanking of balls, the crashing of pins, and the pattering of shoes on the hardwood lanes.

Bowling was back on Monday afternoon at Rab’s Country Lanes, providing some semblance of normalcy for Staten Island’s resident bowlers who returned to the alley for the first time in nearly five months.

Needless to say, both customers and proprietors alike were as excited as could be expected.

“We’re excited, it’s been a long time coming, but here we are: back to business and bowling,” said Rab’s Country Lanes proprietor Frank Wilkinson. “Today is emotional, we’re just happy to get back to bowling…this proves that we can get back to some sort of normalcy.”

While the re-opening did provide a sense of normalcy, it also displayed some of the city’s mandated protocols, which include operating at a maximum 50% capacity, with every other lane closed to assure social distancing, as well as wearing face coverings.

Indoor dining and drinking are also not allowed, for the time being.

“This is not the end, it’s a step in the right direction and we hope to get back to our regular thing as long as we can do it safely,” added Wilkinson. “It’s up to all of us.”

Wilkinson, like everyone else, first heard the news on Friday that bowling centers would be allowed to operate as soon as Monday — yet Rab’s looked like it hadn’t skipped a beat since it initially shuttered its doors in Mid-March.

“On Friday, [Gov. Cuomo] dropped the bomb that we could reopen, so to flip the switch in 72 hours has been tremendous,” said Wilkinson. “The staff and team, and the preparation and cleaning, they did a tremendous job.

Workers at Rab’s Country Lanes clean the lanes and balls after bowlers are finished, preparing them for the next customers on August 17, 2020 in Dongan Hills. (Staten Island Advance/ Alexandra Salmieri)

Throughout the alley, the dozens of bowlers in attendance did their part to maintain social distancing, while wearing their face coverings.

“[Government] had faith in us, as an industry, to do things the right way,” said Wilkinson. “We’ve had no issues, we’ll continue as a community to keep doing it, everybody respects it…it’s not for ourselves, but for everyone around us.”

 

ISLAND BOWLERS REACT

Bowlers of all ages and skill levels were out in full force for the re-opening on Monday, including Staten Island Bowling Hall of Famer Nancy Avignon.

“I truly missed the Rab’s community, I love it,” said the 67-year-old North Shore resident who began bowling in the 1960s. “At the crack of dawn I was up getting ready…I really couldn’t wait, it’s been such a long time.

“I missed being on the lanes and the sport immensely,” she added. “I truly couldn’t wait to get here, this is paradise for me.”

Avignon also cited the cleanliness of the venue, as well as the effort of the staff.

“I love the way Rab’s is run, I believe the protocols have the public in mind and they’re doing everything possible,” she said. “They clean the lanes every minute, they’re really keeping up with it and being diligent and we appreciate it.”

Twelve-year-old Jeremy Vasquez, who’s been bowling since he was five, was equally thrilled to fire off some strikes on Monday.

“I’m happy, I’ve been waiting since quarantine,” said the eight-grader from South Beach. “I was here on the last day before they closed and I’m excited to be back.

“When my mom told me, I was so excited,” he added. “I was sad, I wanted to come here everyday…it was like taking part of my life away.”

Veteran bowlers like Rob Butler opted to play in New Jersey until the restrictions were lifted — but it just wasn’t the same.

“This is home for most of us,” said the 40-year-old Great Kills resident. “It’s a beautiful place and I’m happy to be here.

“The community, the conditions, the lanes, it’s all different,” he added. “This is a big deal for us, I’ll be here as many times as possible.”

New Springville resident Matt Koplowitz reiterated the sentiment.

“It felt like something was missing these last few months,” said Koplowitz. “I didn’t want to have a season in New Jersey, but we didn’t know what to expect…I’m glad to be back.”

Koplowitz noted that playing with a mask wasn’t much of an issue either.

“It’s not a problem, just something to get used to as the season goes on,” he explained. “I feel safe, just happy to be back now.”

NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET

While the return to play is a welcome sign, Wilkinson acknowledges that small businesses, including his own, will need continued support from the government to continue operating effectively.

“It’s been draining on the small business community,” admitted Wilkinson, who suffered many a sleepless night during the quarantine. “This building isn’t designed to operate at 50% capacity, we need the support of government.

“Patience did start to run thin, there was no revenue stream [for five months],” he added. “Employees couldn’t work, it weighs on you.

“It’s relieving to get to this point,” added Wilkinson. “Hard work pays off.”

Nevertheless, he’s excited to see people in the building once again.

“It’s amazing, we’re in the people business and our mission is to provide an environment for people to get away from everyday life,” said Wilkinson. “To see the smiles on people’s faces is what we live for.

“I get more happiness and joy to see people enjoy what they do in this environment that we created,” he added. “It’s exciting.”

 

NY1 News: Got Some Spare Time? Bowling Alleys Across the State Reopened Monday

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By Amanda Farinacci
NY1 News | Click Here for Full Story & Video

A line forms inside Rab’s Country Lanes as anxious bowlers stand in wait for lane assignments in their first trip back to the bowling alley since the pandemic shut its doors back in March.

When they hit the lanes, they spared no time, rolling back to business.

What You Need To Know

  • 300 bowling centers across the state reopened Monday
  • Social distancing guidelines mean every only other lane is used and masks must be worn
  • Bowling shoes and balls will be sanitized
  • Food or drink not permitted inside

Frank Wilkinson owns Rab’s Country Lanes. “This is certainly a sign that people want to get back to everyday life,” he said.

Governor Cuomo gave the green light for bowling alleys in the state to reopen Monday, but bowling looks a bit different than it did just five months ago.

Every other lane is open to allow for social distancing, masks must be worn and reservations are encouraged.

As for bowling shoes and bowling balls — there will be no more touching or trying on if you don’t have a ball or shoes of your own.

“We will outfit you with the equipment at the front counter,” WIlkinson told NY1. “You go to your lanes. When you’re done, leave everything at the lanes; our team will sanitize, clean, bring it up to the front counter. And then that way there’s no extra touch points.”

A couple more changes to the bowling alley: no eating or drinking inside and food must be taken outside.

Rab’s is currently working to build an outdoor dining area.

The New York State Bowling Proprietors Association, a group 300 bowling centers across the state, had been lobbying hard to allow their alleys to reopen, citing the possibilities for social distancing given the size of their facilities, and detailed plans for safety and sanitizing.

They are small changes that bowlers we spoke with seemed to be taking in stride.

Henry Rau is an avid bowler.

“I think it’s about time. It’s well overdue and I think it should have been sooner,” he said.

Enrique Rodriguez came with his friend to bowl.

“They’re spacing everyone out; we’re wearing masks, I think this is going to be fine,” he said.

Rab’s is hoping to open its outdoor space in the coming days.

And the bowling alley is already booked for the next few days.

The center’s robust bowling league will come back to play after Labor Day.

NY Post: NY bowling alleys reopen for first time since coronavirus shutdown

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By Kevin Sheehan and Jackie Salo
NY Post | Click Here for the Full Story & Video

Photo Credit: STEFAN JEREMIAH | Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis throws out the first ball during the re-opening celebration.

They were ready to roll.

Big Apple bowling alleys welcomed back some rusty but eager customers Monday, as the state lifted coronavirus restrictions after five months.

“We’ve been itching to come back. Now we can get back to where we left off!” said Kevin Rourke, who was joined by his 16-year-old son, Ryan, at Rab’s Country Lanes in Staten Island.

“We were coming in here all the time and he was getting better and then it shut down.”

About 50 people waited in line to score a socially-distanced lane when doors opened around 1 p.m. for the first time since the state shut down in mid-March.

“It’s good to be back!” said Dylan Ward, a 14-year-old local champion bowler. “It’s probably going to take a while to get back to form.”

Inside, were greeted by a cheeky mannequin sporting a cardboard cutout of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s face and an employee uniform — along with new rules, such as mask requirements and keeping every other lane open.

Owner Frank Wilkinson said the businesses scrambled to get the lanes ready after Cuomo’s announcement Friday that bowling alleys could reopen.

“Today we are certainly celebrating! Happy bowling day!” he said.

But despite the short notice, there appeared to be no issue getting the word out to customers.

“We have reservations booking up. Tomorrow morning is all booked up already,” he told The Post.

FOX5 NY: Bowling centers eager to open

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Click Here for Full Story as featured on FOX5 New York News

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that bowling centers may reopen at 50% capacity. Frank Wilkinson, the owner of Rab’s Country Lanes, said he and his staff will make it work in the short run. But he said his center has been closed since March 16 and he has tens of thousands of dollars in expenses every month.

 

SI Advance: Island bowling center managers breathe sigh of relief as alleys get OK to open on Monday

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By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
Staten Island Advance | silive.com | Click Here for the Full Story

They are oiling up the lanes and getting the rental shoes ready at the borough’s two bowling centers.

After a nearly five-month stoppage of play because of the coronavirus pandemic, Showplace Entertainment Center and Rab’s Country Lanes will re-open for business on Monday. Hundreds of Island bowlers, who have been shut down since mid-March, are expected to show up for open bowling (non-league sessions).

“We’re pretty excited and are looking forward to starting a new season,” said Showplace manager Vinny D’Ambrosio III.

“We got the word … and we’re very excited,” said Rab’s Country Lanes proprietor Frank Wilkinson. “While we would have loved some additional notice, we will be ready to roll in the coming week.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the news Friday afternoon, but there will be plenty of social-distancing measures in place.

For starters, bowling centers may only run at 50% maximum occupancy. Plus, only every other lane inside the establishment can be utilized at any given time and patrons must stay with their party at their designated lane at all times.

“I don’t disagree with the 50% capacity,” said D’Ambrosio, who says the Travis center will open its doors Monday morning. “You have to start somewhere. Of course, safety is our main concern. We’ll open up and play it by ear.”

No food or alcohol will be served inside the two centers. Food can be served outside if there is outside dining.

Patrons must wear face coverings.

In addition, bowling alleys must also implement cleaning and disinfecting protocols specific to the use of sharing bowling balls and shoes.

That won’t be a problem for management the Island’s two centers, who last month told the Advance they have already put most of those protocols in place.

Wilkinson says he planning a soft re-opening Monday and Tuesday, before he goes full-steam ahead as they get set for the new bowling season which starts the first week of September. The previous season was cut short by about 10 weeks because of the pandemic and there were no summer leagues as bowling centers remained closed.

“Our team will be working diligently over the weekend to prepare for our re-opening. We will formally announce our plans via our website, bowlatrabs.com and social media as we put all the pieces together in the coming days that will also include availability, hours of operation, how to reserve lanes, and expectations upon arrival,” said Wilkinson. “We’re not sure what to expect. We know people can’t wait to be out and about doing their thing and using us as their outlet to get away from everyday life and know we will be prepared. We also know that there are many people who are still hesitant to go out in public.”

“Some people will come (to bowl) and we will be happy to service them,” said D’Ambrosio of the re-opening at Showplace. “We will come in Monday morning and get everything set up and see how it goes.”

WPIX11: Bowling alleys reopen Monday, NYC museums, cultural institutions can reopen Aug. 24, Cuomo says

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By: Kristine Garcia, Mark Sundstrom, Greg Mocker
WPIX 11 News | Click Here for the Full Story & Video

NEW YORK — As New York continues to make great strides in fighting the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Cuomo announced Friday several industries, such low-risk indoor activities in New York City and bowling alleys will be able to reopen within the month.

Bowling alleys can reopen beginning Aug. 17 at 50% occupancy, Cuomo announced.

Only every other lane can be opened, parties must stay in their lanes and face coverings are required.

Food and drinks will not be available inside at bowling alleys, according to an updated news release from the governor’s office.

Low-risk cultural institutions in NYC, including museums and aquariums can reopen on Aug. 24, Cuomo said.

They must remain at a 25% maximum occupancy. Timed ticketing will also be required with staggered entry and traffic flow must be controlled.

Face coverings must also be enforced.

Protocols for gyms to reopen are expected to be announced on Monday.

The state continues to make progress in battling the coronavirus pandemic.

About 85,455 coronavirus tests were given in NY Thursday, 727 were positive, or 0.85%.

Thursday was the seventh straight day of NY’s positive test rate being under 1%, according to the governor.

Frank Wilkinson is proprietor of Rab’s Country Lanes on Staten Island. They have been closed 151 days.

“On the teleconference today, Cuomo says you can open. I didn’t believe it. Finally the day has come. As an industry, we have worked to tell our story and get people behind us,” he said.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art said it will open to the public on August 29 with some members previews the week of the 24th.

 

SI Advance: Rab’s Country Lanes proprietor waits for word from governor to reopen

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By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
Staten Island Advance | silive.com | Click Here for the Full Story

Frank Wilkinson, owner of Rab’s Country Lanes in Dongan Hills, is hopeful his center will open in August. (Photo courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce/Dom Provenzano )

Rab’s Country Lanes proprietor Frank Wilkinson figured his Dongan Hills center would have been fully operational by now, 4 1/2 months after businesses across the state were ordered closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

A few days into Phase 4 of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s reopening plans, the center, along with Showplace Entertainment Center — the Island’s only other bowling house — remain closed. The only activity at Country is sound coming from the reopened pro shop, some maintenance workers and an hour-long bowling show Wilkinson and Country manager Nazareth Laursen conduct five days a week.

“Sadly, we do not have any guidance or understanding on when we will get to re-open,” said Wilkinson, who has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars because of the shutdown. “All we know at this point is that we are closed, as Cuomo has said, ‘indefinitely.’ There is no date for us to re-open.

According to Wilkinson, bowling centers were identified in Phase 4 of the Governor’s reopening plans. However, bowling centers have been identified as “high-risk indoor amusement” along with theaters, movie theaters and malls and Phase 4 has been split. “Low-risk” entertainments got the go to open in the beginning of Phase 4, similar to indoor dining being halted indefinitely.

“This has been a very difficult time for us both mentally and financially,” said Wilkinson. “We’re firm believers in the actions taken to get us to this point where we have flattened the curve and have slowed the spread of COVID-19. Without the slow roll-outs, we would already be seeing a ‘second wave.’ We’re now at a point, where we need to continue working together to continue stopping the spread while getting back to every day life, safely.

“Keeping a 40,000+ square foot building closed, while still keeping it running has been the largest challenge. While we have decreased many of our bills during this time, our incredibly high overhead costs have not changed. We along with many other local businesses, find ourselves in a very tough financial position, as loans have been the only way to help businesses get through this time and for the most part, these loans have not been enough.”

Wilkinson is hopeful his bowling center and others in the state will be able to open in August.

Bowling alleys have already opened in New Jersey with bowlers wearing masks.

One of the signs that will be placed around Rab’s Country Lanes to remind folks about social-distancing.

When asked what kind of COVID-guidelines will be in place when Country is allowed to open, Wilkinson said, “In addition to having zero guidelines from the state on the potential re-opening dates, the re-opening plans that have been created for each phase do not include our industry.”

But Wilkinson said he believes the following to be true based on the information available to him from other phase openings:

  • Upon initial opening, some sort of capacity restriction.
  • Masks will be required to be worn by all.
  • No different than other public facilities, a mask will be required when you cannot social distance, and not required when you are doing the physical activity. So when you get up to bowl (physical activity) a mask may not be required, and will be necessary when you enter the common area.
  • Employee health checks to be part of regular standard operating procedures.
  • Facilities must have proper signage to encourage physical distancing in common areas.
  • Educational signage throughout the facilities about wearing masks, washing hands, etc.
  • HVAC system upgrades to eliminate the spread of the virus.

Wilkinson said he has taken the following additional steps:

  • Educating our team about COVID-19.
  • Developed several potential plans for moving forward with our business depending on the capacity restrictions, this includes the possibility of keeping lanes between guests to achieve maximum physical distancing.
  • Installed touch-less door openers on doors that pull open inside and outside the bowling center.
  • Installed additional hand sanitizing stations, doubling what we already had installed throughout.
  • Prepared proper signage throughout the facility, including digital signage.
  • Ready to outfit staff and customers with masks (should customer not have one).
  • Continuation of sanitizing equipment (shoes and bowling balls) after every use, and thoroughly cleaning the areas after use and before the next customer enters.
  • We’re now in the process of upgrading our HVAC systems to comply with the requirements we believe may be put into place for facilities our size.

In the end, Wilkinson can’t wait to reopen the center after what will be more than five months of being idle.

“Personally, I couldn’t be more excited to get our business back rolling,” said Wilkinson. “Now more than ever, our community needs what bowling centers provide, an outlet to escape everyday life for social and recreational needs. We have always prided ourselves on providing a clean and safe environment for everyone to enjoy.

“Bowling will be back stronger and safer than ever. We’re in this together, we need all our customers to come together to help keep a safe and clean facility. Bowling centers are the original social network, we want people to come and be social as they are, yet physical distancing will be encouraged.”

Wilkinson said Country’s patrons can help with getting the center reopened.

“While the decision of opening bowling centers and other ‘high-risk’ entertainment like ours is up to the governor’s office, it cannot hurt to make a push to get our facilities open,” he said. “The governor needs to hear from constituents! We believe that collectively, if we make enough noise, we will be noticed. Bowling centers throughout New York State are working together to tell our story so we are not continued to be left in the dark. Tell the story that our centers are safe and clean environments so people can get back to socializing amongst their favorite activity.

“Bowling centers are community centers in their communities. Rab’s, collectively with Gennaro’s and the Country Pro Shop, employs almost 100 people, not including our volunteers. We’re urging our customers to take a brief moment to write the Governors office: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form.”