Yankee Lanes: Arcade Fun In Brunswick

Yankee Lanes in Brunswick, Maine, was a bowling alley that operated for 60 years before it shut down in 2021. The property was sold to Harpswell Auto Sales, which will use the building as its new headquarters. Yankee Lanes featured 32 lanes with automatic scoring and a game room with arcade games. The bowling alley was well-loved by the community, with one patron recalling their experience as a wonderful, local gem.

Yankee Lanes in Brunswick has a game room with arcade games

Yankee Lanes in Brunswick, Maine, is a beloved local establishment that offers a lot more than just bowling. The bowling alley, which operated for 60 years before it shut down in 2021, featured 32 lanes with automatic scoring, a snack bar, a bar, and a lounge. Yankee Lanes also had a game room with arcade games, adding to the competitive and social experience that the venue offered.

The venue was well-suited for groups, with bowlers of all ages and skill levels enjoying the facilities. It was also kid-friendly, making it a great option for families. Yankee Lanes featured live DJs, adding to the lively atmosphere. The noise level could be somewhat high, but this only enhanced the fun and competitive spirit of the place.

In addition to the bowling and arcade games, Yankee Lanes also supported the local community by hosting fundraisers for organisations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick. The venue was also available for special events, although birthday parties were suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Yankee Lanes was highly regarded by patrons, with one long-time customer praising its well-run, independent operation and unique, local character. The venue was also recognised as an important recreational activity for the town, attracting people from all over to come and enjoy bowling and socialise.

Although Yankee Lanes is no longer a bowling alley, its legacy continues, and it has left a "hole in our hearts", as one patron put it. The property was sold and converted into a car dealership, with the new owners recognising the building's history and expressing excitement about their new venture.

The bowling alley was put up for sale in 2021

In early 2021, Yankee Lanes bowling alley owner Nelson Moody listed the property for sale, stating that he wanted to retire. Moody purchased the bowling alley in 2013 from Bowl New England, which had bought the business in 1973. The Brunswick landmark, located on Bath Road, was on the market for $2.3 million.

Moody said he had a potential buyer who would continue operating it as a bowling alley. However, in July 2021, the potential buyer retracted their offer after about three months of negotiations. The bowling alley remained on the market for $2.3 million.

In the spring of 2022, Moody sold the property to Gene Graffam, the second-generation owner of Harpswell Auto Sales. The bowling alley, which operated for 60 years before shutting down in 2021, will become a car dealership. Harpswell Auto Sales purchased the 27,000-square-foot building on 4.3 acres to expand its service department and inventory of cars. The new dealership is expected to open around March 2024.

It was purchased by Harpswell Auto Sales and will be converted into a car dealership

Yankee Lanes in Brunswick, Maine, was a bowling alley that operated for 60 years before it shut down in 2021. The property was purchased by Harpswell Auto Sales, a used-car dealership, in the spring of 2022. The dealership plans to move its headquarters from Harpswell Island Road to the former bowling alley location at 276 Bath Road in Brunswick. The building will be gutted and rebuilt to house the dealership's offices and expanded service department. The parking lot will also be expanded to accommodate a larger inventory of cars. The new dealership is expected to open around March 2024.

Harpswell Auto Sales has been in operation since the mid-1980s and is among the top five used-car dealers in Maine. The company offers a wide range of used cars, SUVs, minivans, trucks, and pickups, and provides auto repair and detailing services. The dealership has locations in Harpswell, Lewiston, and Topsham, and plans to retain the Harpswell property for overflow vehicle storage.

The decision to purchase the Yankee Lanes property was driven by the dealership's need for a larger space to accommodate its growing business. According to General Manager Josh Osgood, the new location will allow them to "service [their] existing customer base and attract new customers." The expanded service department will offer customers a less expensive alternative to franchise-like services.

The former Yankee Lanes building has a long history in the community, and its conversion into a car dealership marks a new chapter for the beloved local establishment.

Yankee Lanes has 32 lanes and is open 7 days a week

Yankee Lanes in Brunswick, Maine, is a beloved local establishment that has been a part of the community for over 25 years. With 32 bowling lanes and a game room, it offers a unique bowling experience that is perfect for bowlers of all ages and skill levels. The bowling alley is open seven days a week, with varying hours each day.

The lanes feature automatic scoring, making it convenient for bowlers to keep track of their progress. In addition to bowling, Yankee Lanes also has a bar, a snack bar, and a lounge area. The alley also hosts special events and fundraisers, such as the Bowl for Kids' Sake event, which raises money for local charities.

Yankee Lanes is highly regarded by the Brunswick community, with one patron calling it a "wonderful, local gem" and praising its social and competitive atmosphere. The bowling alley is also kid-friendly, making it a great option for families looking for a fun activity.

Unfortunately, it appears that Yankee Lanes may have closed down or changed ownership in 2023, as one source mentions that the property was sold in 2022 and would become a car dealership. However, another source indicates that the bowling alley is still open as of 2024, with updated hours of operation.

Whether you're a seasoned bowler or just looking for a fun night out with friends or family, Yankee Lanes in Brunswick offers a memorable experience with its 32 lanes, game room, and friendly atmosphere.

The establishment has a bar and a snack bar

Yankee Lanes in Brunswick, Maine, is a bowling alley that features 32 lanes with automatic scoring. The establishment has a bar and a snack bar, the latter of which has received mixed reviews. While one patron described the snack bar as a "lousy excuse", another long-time customer stated that no one would expect "haute cuisine" from the establishment, expressing appreciation for the independent owners' commitment to maintaining the snack bar as a community space.

The bar and snack bar at Yankee Lanes cater to bowlers and other patrons, providing a space for socialising and recreation. The establishment welcomes groups of various sizes, although it is important to note that there have been instances where larger groups may face some seating limitations in the lounge area. Yankee Lanes also features a game room with arcade games, adding to the entertainment options available to customers.

The bowling alley is well-regarded in the community, having operated for 60 years before it was sold in 2022 and eventually closed in 2021. It was a popular spot for casual bowlers, offering a blend of enjoyable competition and social interaction. The site is now occupied by a car dealership, Harpswell Auto Sales, which moved its headquarters to the former bowling alley location.

Yankee Lanes left a positive impact on the Brunswick community, with the economic development director, Sally Costello, emphasising the importance of recreational activities like bowling in the commercial sector. The bowling alley also supported local charities and hosted fundraisers, contributing to the overall well-being of the area.

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