Harlem Lanes on ACP/7th Avenue and 126th Street made the news this week because the first bowling ally to arrive uptown in 30 years has not been doing so well during the recent recession. The bowling establishment located in the old Alhambra Theatre building opened up 5 years ago and is apparently the only female black-owned establishment of its kind in the United States. Harlem Lanes is now offering $20 unlimited bowling on select days, a family discount and also rents the space for private parties so everyone should really take advantage of this local business if bowling is to stay in Harlem. Read more in the Daily News:
LINK. For more on one of Manhattan's only bowling venues, go to:
HarlemLanes.com
This is disturbing news.
ReplyDeleteHarlem Lane's arrival meant that Central Harlem was finally becoming something other than a strip mall for the struggling.
It's failure would be nothing less than a huge step backwards for the neighborhood. The hotel across the way doesn't look like its going to be a reality either.
That said, Harlem Lanes are gonna have to work harder to get thier name out there. Maybe distribute flyers.
It seemed to work for the Harlem BBQ guys.
Between this and how Gospel Uptown ended up, that side of the street's been having a bad time of it.
ReplyDeleteSome pretty awful reviews on Yelp, but can't always trust that what people say on there. Problem with this place is the location. I have had a couple of people ask me where it is and I'm still not 100% certain. Tucked away on 126th is not ideal. Not sure how expensive it was before, but hopefully making it more affordable for the neighborhood will help. Best of luck to them.
ReplyDeleteVic, this block of ACP (Adam Clayton Powel Blvd) has had many false starts and could not be more different in terms of vibrancy then Lenox Ave. one block to the west. First there was upscale Mannas, then Gospel Uptown, both were pricey and gaudy and had little to offer to the new Harlemites and visitors. Also this corner does not have a subway exit and the ACP office building has no possibility of retail. Perhaps with the structural collapse of the buildings on the west of ACP may lead to new retail development, ACP may finally get some business that understand the new Harlem.
ReplyDeleteI can vouch for the Yelp reviews. And they (the owners) must know by now that Yelp is the go-to place for reviews about anything NYC. This is especially true for people who don't know the neighborhood well or still might have reservations (although misguided) about coming to Harlem. The Yelp reviews will make the difference whether they step through the front door.I've lived in Harlem all my life and I love bowling. When Harlem Lanes showed up I was ecstatic. Heck I even used to eat at the overpriced Pier 2220 (I think those were the numbers). I wanted to make this place my Cheers. I even work around corner! Harlem Lanes was hot for like the first year and then the service sucked ever since. And this is irrespective of whether the place is mildly populated or empty! The food is mediocre even for a bowling spot. And I'm not naive either! It's not like places like Lucky Strike or Slate have the Apple Store staff working for them or anything! But there needs to be a bit more effort especially if you want people to want to come to a place that is already starting off with a handicap being tucked where it is limiting it's ability to brand the location better.And on top of that they need to upkeep the bowling equipment better or have a more prompt response when someone calls for technical support.I know firsthand that they are bleeding financially so I don't expect a complete overhaul but two places to start would be 1)retrain the staff or replace them and 2) change the marketing strategy. With these two basics people are willing to overlook the other stuff. Just look at places like the Gutterball in Wburg.
ReplyDeleteIn my humble opinion one of the main reasons Harlem Lanes is struggling is because they haven't created a peerless customer service experience. I've only been once but after that experience I vowed to never go back. I was embarrassed that I took a date there. A few things I would recommend, invested in tidying up the walk way leading up to the alley. Hiring a more professional staff. Creating a more vibrant atmosphere in the bar and lounge area--that happened to smell like marijuana when I went. I really do hate to rag on the staff so much, but they really do need to be retrained or replaced as the previous commenter mentioned. As much as I hate to say it, I would overlook a lot of things--less than mediocre food and drinks, poor aesthetic, and outdated equipment if I felt as if my business was valued. For us who live in Harlem it's not like there are a lot of options on a weekend night if we want to do something besides sit at a bar.
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