Rab's Country Lanes

  • Home
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Upcoming Events
    • Live Entertainment
  • About
    • Our Location
    • Advertising
    • Careers
    • As Seen On…
  • Bowling
    • Open Bowling
    • Cosmic Bowling
    • League Bowling
      • Fall/Winter
      • Spring/Summer
      • Youth
    • Tournaments
  • Eat
    • Kitchen Menu
  • Attractions
    • Laser Maze Challenge
    • Rab’s High Roller’s Lounge
    • Country Pro Shop & Awards
  • Rab’s Rewards
  • Shop
  • Plan a Party!
    • Birthday Parties
    • Office Parties
    • Adult Parties
    • Book a Meeting
    • Bring your Group
    • Fundraisers
  • Contact
    • Donation Request
  • Blog
1600 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10305   |   Phone: 718-979-1600    

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

Stay in the Know

Watch Live Scores!

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

August 17, 2020 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

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.”

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, bowling is back, community, cuomo, nyc, rabs, reopen ny, small business, staten island

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

August 17, 2020 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, community, cuomo, nyc, reopen ny, small business, staten island

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

August 17, 2020 by Rab's Country Lanes 2 Comments

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.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, community, cuomo, nyc, rabs, small business, staten island

FOX5 NY: Bowling centers eager to open

August 15, 2020 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

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.

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, community, cuomo, nyc, rabs, small business, staten island

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

August 15, 2020 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

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.”

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, community, cuomo, nyc, rabs, small business, staten island

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

August 14, 2020 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

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.

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, community, cuomo, nyc, rabs, small business, staten island

Book Your Party Now!

eGift Card
Reserve Your Lane For Open Play
Win FREE Bowling
© Copyright 2022 Rab's Country Lanes
Privacy PolicyReturn PolicyTerms Of Service
website & digital marketing byTrustworkz