Rab's Country Lanes

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

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Celebrating Excellence: Our Kitchen Renovation Receives Interior Excellence Award at the Annual Building Awards

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We are beyond thrilled to announce that our recent kitchen renovation project has been honored with an Excellence Award for Interior Excellence at the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Annual Building Awards.  This recognition not only highlights our commitment to design excellence but also showcases the dedication of the entire team involved in bringing this vision to life.

Scott Porto and Frank Wilkinson pose with Award

The goal of our kitchen renovation project was not merely to create a visually appealing space but to design an area that operates with maximum efficiency, ultimately delivering an exceptional experience for our guests through the creation of delicious food.  We believe that a well-designed kitchen is the heart of any culinary endeavor, and this award reinforces our commitment to providing an outstanding dining experience.

A special shoutout is in order for Porto Construction and US Design Lab, whose outstanding work played a pivotal role in transforming our kitchen into a true masterpiece.  Their expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence were instrumental in bringing our vision to fruition.  Without their hard work and creativity, this achievement would not have been possible.

The Annual Building Awards program by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce recognizes and celebrates excellence in design, specifically focusing on outstanding projects within Staten Island or those designed by Staten Island-based professionals.  We are honored to be acknowledged among the best in the industry and proud to contribute to the vibrant and innovative design landscape of Staten Island.

The award presentation took place on Friday, December 1, during the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce’s 62nd Annual Building Awards ceremony.  The event, hosted at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, provided a platform to shine a spotlight on the exceptional talent and innovation within the construction, building, and design industry.

Click here to learn more about the Building Awards

 

 

‘The Initiative’ hosts its second free four-week integrated bowling league at Rab’s Country Lanes. Toy drive set for Dec. 10.

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By Carol Ann Benanti | benanti@siadvance.com
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Integrated Athletic Initiative (The Initiative), a local non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between what they describe as “mainstream, special needs, and underserved populations”, hosted its second free four-week integrated bowling league at Rab’s Country Lanes.

More than 50 participants from PS 57 and Because We Can Sports athletes — many with disabilities — demonstrated the power of sports in creating inclusive communities at the popular Dongan Hills facility at the end of November.

This year’s league was made possible through the support of local businesses, including Nick’s Lobster House and Mack Electric.

Sal Fabozzi, chair of The Integrated Athletic Initiative, expressed his delight at the event’s impact: “It’s truly inspiring to see athletes of all abilities come together, not just to play a sport but to learn from each other,” he said. “The joy and camaraderie witnessed during the league encapsulate the essence of what we strive to achieve – an inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to participate and thrive.”

Anthony Passalacqua, vice president, emphasized the importance of initiatives in building a more understanding and cohesive society. “Our goal is to create a world where disability is not a barrier to friendship and fun. The enthusiasm and engagement we’ve seen in this league are testaments to the progress we are making towards that goal.”

Mike Cannizzo, the event sponsor and owner of Nick’s Lobster House in Brooklyn and Mack Electric, shared his excitement about being part of the initiative. “Supporting The Integrated Athletic Initiative aligns perfectly with our values at Nick’s Lobster House. We are proud to be part of an event that not only brings smiles to these young faces but also plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and acceptance within our community. Being involved with the Integrated Athletic Initiative is a privilege. Seeing the positive impact of our contribution in the community is truly rewarding.”

In addition to bowling, the league included various interactive activities designed to foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and mutual respect among participants.

The event concluded with a celebration where players, families, and community leaders gathered to recognize the achievements of all participants.

Plans for the next league are already under way. The Initiative remains committed to continuing its mission of promoting inclusivity through sports. The Initiative periodically puts on small four-week leagues for bowling, track and field, soccer and basketball.

In what translates into a collaborative effort with Mark’s Bake Shoppe, a Third annual Toy Drive is set for Sunday, Dec. 10 at the shop located at 3479 Richmond Rd. to benefit local schools.

Toys can be dropped off on that day from noon to 3 p.m. at Mark’s Bake Shoppe.

For further information about the Integrated Athletic Initiative and its programs, visit www.integratedathletic.org.

The Gym Bag: Bowlers can sign up for New Year Singles Classic

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Steve Soss and Jim Elliott

Tourney director Jim Elliott hands the trophy to two-time NYSC winner Steve Soss on Saturday at Rab’s Country Lanes.

By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
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Staten Island’s longest running open bowling event — Jim Elliott’s New Year Singles Classic — will start Jan. 6, 2024 at Rab’s Country Lanes.

Qualifying in the event’s 48th edition will be held on the weekends of Jan. 6-7 and Jan. 13-14. Squad times each day will be at 1 and 2:30 p.m.

The finals will be contested on Jan. 20 at 1:30 p.m.

Those who sign up and bowl in the tourney’s first qualifier on Jan. 6 at 1 p.m. will receive a second entry for free. However, Elliott says he’s expecting a sellout for the first squad and only those bowlers who pay for the first qualifier “fully in advance” will be allowed to bowl.

The entry fee is $60 — up $10 from a year ago. The format consists of bowling three games across six lanes. Handicap is 70 percent of a 220 average. The finals are scratch.

The top two high rollers from each qualifier (16) will be seeded into the finals as well as the next eight high series for a total of 24 finalists.

New Jersey kegler Steve Soss won last year’s event, his second NYSC crown.

To reserve a spot, send your checks made out to Jim Elliott at Just For Kicks, 91 Lincoln Ave., Staten Island, N.Y., 10306. Elliott’s phone number is 718-667-5120.

For additional tournament information visit: https://bowlatrabs.com/bowling/tournaments/new-years-singles-classic/

Rab’s announces date for ‘Second Annual Rock ‘N Bowl for Our Vets Live Music Event’

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By Dr. Gracelyn Santos | gsantos@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the Full Story

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Rab Wilkinson Foundation has announced the 2nd Annual Rock ‘n Bowl for Our Vets Live Music Event, which will be held at Rab’s Country Lanes on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023 at 1 p.m.

The event of music and entertainment follows the success of the inaugural event in 2022, which raised $20,000 for local veterans and projects supporting U.S. veterans.

The 2023 event will be hosted by Todd Piro, FOX News personality, and will feature five favorite local bands who will rock out on the lanes: Aftermath, American Cover Story, DOC Holiday, Fast Forward, and Johnny Fish & The Fins, and other special guests.

Frank Wilkinson, proprietor of Rab’s and chairman of the Rab Wilkinson Foundation, is excited about the music tradition and raising much-needed funds for programs that give back to those who have selflessly served our country.

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🩸 Blood Drive

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Make a donation for our community where it is needed most! Donate a pint and save a life! Join us for a Blood Drive on Monday June 19, 2023.

Click Here to Make an Appointment or call (800)933-BLOOD.

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins allowed as social distancing permits. Donors must wear masks. To check eligibility and travel restrictions that change frequently with CDC and state guidelines, check the New York Blood Center website for the latest: https://bit.ly/3xLLuAq. See Less

Rab’s Hosts Press Conference: Veterans Discount Program to continue on Staten Island, expanding to include SIEDC

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Baran, Fossella, Cusick with Rab's in the background as part of a press conference

Borough President Fossella in joined by Linda Baran, president of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, and Michael Cusick, president of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, during a press conference at Rab’s Country Lanes, Dongan Hills, to announce the continuation and expansion of the Staten Veterans Discount Program. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi

By Priya Shahi | pshahi@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click Here for the full story

VETS LogoSTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island’s Veterans Discount Program, which provides a 10% discount on goods and services from participating businesses across the borough, is not only going to continue, but is expanding beyond the borough president’s office and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce — with the addition of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC).

“One thing that every Staten Islander has in common is that we cherish our veterans,” said Borough President Vito Fossella, when announcing that the SIEDC would be joining the program, which was started in 2012 by former Assemblyman Michael Cusick. “I am proud to partner with these two great organizations to provide a free service to those who have served our country.”

The Veterans Discount Program was started over a decade ago by former Assemblyman Michael Cusick.

“I think the expansion is important, because the SIEDC and the Chamber are the two largest organizations on Staten Island,” said Cusick, current president and CEO of the SIEDC. “The fact that we are doing this together … to be able to bring more people and more businesses to this program, we can really help the veterans. I think it’s a win-win.”

He added that the Veterans Discount Program now has over 200 participating retailers, including Rab’s.

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Staten Island bowling alley ups its food game with gourmet burgers | The Dish

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Chef Joe poses at Rab's Kitchen with Proprietor Frank Wilkinson

It’s an unlikely place to find gourmet offerings like burgers but Joe Labita, left, and Frank Wilkinson have made that happen at Rab’s Country Lanes, Dongan Hills. (Courtesy of Elena Demontreaux)

By Pamela Silvestri | silvestri@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Bowlers at Rab’s Country Lanes in Dongan Hills have been privy to some fantastical food this winter. Chef Joe Labita amped up the alley’s game with gourmet burgers, admirable wings and assorted sandwiches. With a burgeoning business and frequent fliers to 1600 Hylan Blvd. coming just to sample the goods, owner Frank Wilkinson has decided to renovate the operation.

This Wednesday, while pins crashed in the backdrop, “The Dish” broadcast live from Rab’s. Up for tasting were the “Steakhouse” wagyu and Pat LaFrieda blended beef patties now coming from this unlikely food destination, long known for its pizza. Since the summer, Labita has rounded out its menu with all-day breakfast, quesadillas, salads and brined-buttermilk soaked boneless chicken preparations served in a crisp tempura.

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Meet the Team: Chef Joe, Head Chef & Director of Food Operations

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This past year, Rab’s Kitchen was born to introduce fresh, quality, delicious food to enhance the overall guest experience, at your favorite place to bowl, whether it’s to bowl and have fun with friends and family or just stop in for a bite to eat.

We are excited to introduce Chef Joe Labita as the Head Chef and Director of Food Operations at Rab’s Country Lanes.  With over three decades of culinary experience and a passion for quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations, Chef Joe has taken our food offerings to the next level.

In this series of “Meet our Team,” let’s meet Chef Joe…  Here, we ask Chef Joe a series of questions to get to know him better and learn more about his cooking philosophy, favorite chefs, and more.  Join us as we welcome Chef to the Rab’s Family and look forward to the exciting culinary creations he will bring to our menu.

When asked about what inspired him to become a chef, Chef Joe recounted starting to work in the kitchen at 14 years old, washing dishes and watching cooks and chefs work.  He was fascinated by customers coming into the kitchen and complimenting the chef on the food.  He wanted to be that chef.

How do you describe your overall cooking philosophy?
Quality ingredients, not a ton of items in a recipe.  Feature an item, then highlight with flavors.

Name thee three kitchen tools you can’t do without?
Chef’s Knife, Thermocouple, and Robot Coupe (blender).

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The Most Fun Bowling Bars in NYC

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MyBartender.com
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Baseball is America’s pastime, but bowling is its passion. The simple game draws in fans of all ages. Kids bowl at birthday parties and young adults knock down pins over a few beers at midnight bowling.

Never to be outdone, New York City has some of the best bowling bars in the country. These establishments allow patrons to enjoy adult beverages while bowling a few frames of playing games.

This list of the 15 best bowling bars in NYC helps you plan a fun New York City evening.

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