Rab's Country Lanes

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

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Watch: Staten Island University Hospital’s Healthwish – Breast Cancer Awareness & The Rab Wilkinson Foundation

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Watch Rab Wilkinson Foundation Chair Frank Wilkinson sat with Staten Island University Hospital’s Jamie Lynn Homan on the latest episode of Healthwish to talk about some of the history behind Rab’s Country Lanes and why the Rab Wilkinson Foundation continues to be one of the most significant contributors to Breast Cancer Awareness in our community.

​Healthwish is a series of conversations about the state of healthcare in NYC’s fabulous fifth borough, Staten Island. Our goal is to raise issues, raise awareness and raise health. Because when we “Raise Health”, we raise everyone!

Rab’s Country Lanes and SIUH Northwell Health team up for COVID-19 vaccination shots

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The Johnson and Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine was administered at Rab’s Country Lanes, in Dongan Hills. July 23, 2021. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez)

By Derek Alvez | alvez@siadvance.com
Silive.com | Click here for the full story

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – William Ford of New Brighton admitted he was stubborn about not getting the COVID-19 vaccine, until Friday night at Rab’s Country Lanes, in Dongan Hills.

“It was time to get it, COVID is serious,” the 46-year old Rab’s employee said. “I heard the hospital was going to be here and it made sense.”

Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health and Rab’s Country Lanes teamed up, hoping to vaccinate and educate.

William Ford of New Brighton received his Johnson and Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at Rab’s Country Lanes, in Dongan Hills. July 23, 2021. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez)

“We’re trying to get creative with COVID vax efforts on Staten Island,” said Christian Preston, Director of Public Relations for SIUH.

“As the Delta spreads in NYC and to address neighborhoods with some of the highest COVID positivity and lowest vaccination rates in the city, we wanted to get the ball rolling on COVID vaccinations at their wildly popular Cosmic Bowling Night.”

Rab’s Country Lanes Frank Wilkinson thought the idea was a perfect score.

“We have a great partnership with SIUH and we do multiple events here (staff league, staff bowling, fundraising, staff outings),” Wilkinson said. “It’s a community venue; and there is a need for the vaccination.”

According to the NYC Dept. of Health, 50 percent of Staten Islanders have been fully vaccinated. Manhattan has the highest rate at 66 percent.

 

Lots to Love about Valentine’s Day Public Art Photo Booth Unveiled by Staten Island Economic Development Corporation

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SIEDC announces photo contest to put Staten Islanders in the running for $500 Gift Card to Buono Jewelers

Staten Island, N.Y. – Love was in the air on Hylan Boulevard as the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC), in collaboration with NYC Council Member Steven Matteo, Rab’s Country Lanes and Sweetbrook Nursery and Garden Center, unveiled a new public art installation: A fun and festive Valentine’s Day Photo Booth designed to bring the community together while supporting local business.

The Valentine’s-themed, 4’x6’x8′ natural wood booth was hand-crafted by Steve Korkowski, President and CEO of Sweetbrook Nursery & Garden Center. Located outside Rab’s Country Lanes, 1600 Hylan Blvd., the colorful red and pink booth is covered on top and has side panels to provide protection from the elements. It is free to use and open to the public for photos from February 1 to 14.

No significant other? No problem! Staten Islanders can take a photo alone, with a friend, family member or even a pet. All that’s needed is a smartphone and love for Staten Island.

“Our Valentine’s Day Photo Booth is a wonderful opportunity for people to enjoy a safe outdoor experience,” said Cesar J. Claro, President and CEO of the SIEDC. “Together with our partners Council Member Steven Matteo, Sweetbrook Nursery & Garden Center and Rab’s Country Lanes, we are thrilled to provide the community with a creative way to celebrate the season of love. Our hope is that Staten Islanders stop by the booth for a fun photo opp as they explore the many stores and dining spots located nearby.”

As part of the unveiling, the SIEDC announced a photo contest that gives Staten Island shutterbugs a chance to win a $500 gift card for Buono Jewelers. To participate, participants must take a creative photo inside the booth and upload it to Instagram or Facebook, tagging @SIEDC and using #SIEDCVDAY. The SIEDC will pick the winning photo based on creativity and flair, so participants are encouraged to dress to impress and let their personalities shine through.*

Public art is just one way the SIEDC works to improve neighborhood charm and build community throughout the borough. Through Business Improvement Districts and Merchant Associations, the SIEDC advocates for much-needed services including private maintenance and security, signage and way-finding information, and beautification initiatives such as holiday lights, new trash receptacles and much more.

More information about SIEDC public art installations, BIDS and Merchant Associations is available at siedc.org.

*Photo Contest Disclaimer:

Must be 18 years or older to enter. Participants will be judged on most creative photo by the SIEDC Projects Management Team. Any photos received after the assigned dates will not be considered. Winners will be notified through Instagram message. The winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries and announced on or before February 15, 2021 before 11:59pm EST. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by or associated with Instagram. SIEDC reserves the right to cancel or amend the rules of the contest without giving prior notice or reason.

About the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC)

Since 1993, the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) has served as the lead advocate for economic development on Staten Island. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SIEDC’s mission is to enhance Staten Island’s economy by promoting public and private investment, and encouraging responsible and sustainable development, all of which improve the quality of life and provide broad and diverse employment opportunities in the borough.

SIEDC has been responsible for over $550 million in new investment, the creation of over 3,500 jobs and the development of over 1,000 acres of vacant industrial land by providing assistance to developers and companies implementing projects in the borough, while at the same time serving the smallest entrepreneur and small business owner with tailored financing, procurement, and real estate assistance.

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.”