By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
After 17 years as North Attleborough’s go-to locale for bowling, food and games, North Bowl Lanes owner Ed Kinsley took to Facebook on July 24 to announce his retirement and sale of the business to Ryan Family Amusements.
“We are grateful to everyone in the community and our outstanding staff for all the support we have received through the years,” said Kinsley. “We loved the chance to host so many events and fundraisers that gave us the opportunity to give back to this great community.”
The sale is estimated to be finalized by mid-October, but possibly sooner. According to Kinsley, he passed retirement age “several years ago” and is looking forward to splitting his time between New England and the Gulf Coast with his wife.
Kinsley also owns Mohegan Bowl in Webster and said that Ryan Family Amusements will be purchasing that business as well. In the statement Kinsley put online, he stressed that new management intends to keep everything the same at both locations.
“They are clearly arcade-oriented and will bring improvements and new games to the arcade, but they will also 100% support all our leagues and open play programs,” wrote Kinsley. “No lanes will be removed, and the pinsetters will remain as they are.”
Of utmost importance to Kinsley is that his staff will remain employed. According to Kinsley, not only will all employees keep their jobs, but they will also have the opportunity for further career advancement under a larger and well-funded company.
Ryan Family Amusements owns 11 locations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, along with 13 additional sites at hotels and waterparks. James A. Ryan started the company in 1958 when he opened the first location in Needham and the company is quick to note it has not turned into a franchise, but remains a locally-owned operation with headquarters on Cape Cod.
“Their goal is to become the number one bowling center brand in New England,” said Kinsley. “I don’t believe we could find a better buyer to carry on the longstanding traditions of both facilities.”
When asked what he will miss most about owning a business in North Attleborough, Kinsley responded with, “the smiles and happiness that spending time at North Bowl brought to so many people.”