Kingston Lanes opens Saturday in Woodstock

WOODSTOCK – When Kingston Lanes opens Saturday in the former Edgetown Bowl, the new owners hope to bring a unique perspective and fresh start to a longtime local establishment.

The day-to-day decision-making at the bowling alley will fall on the shoulders of brother-sister team, Jake Arndt and Deanne Kingston, with the backing of 10 local investors.

Since taking over June 15, they’ve been installing new floors and modern fixtures, painting, organizing and generally cleaning up the building. Not that there were major repairs to be made – the space was rebuilt in 2005 after it was destroyed by a fire.

“It’s not that old of a building,” Kingston said. “We did a little revamping and sprucing up to make it a little cozier.”

The siblings’ enthusiasm for the endeavor is obvious. Kingston always wanted to open a bar, and Arndt, a bowling alley. When they were approached to invest and run it, saying yes was a no-brainer.

Both Woodstock natives, Kingston had been living in Chicago where she managed a Logan Square-based bar. Kingston Lounge, the revamped bar is her domain, as is the full-service outdoor bar, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and bags areas.

The bar has nine large-screen TVs and will have a full NFL package this fall. The snack shop will be serving a limited menu. Arcade games, air hockey and darts are available. Video gambling machines, karaoke and trivia nights are on the horizon, Kingston said.

Arndt, meanwhile, left a career in health care customer service to take over the bowling side of the endeavor. And with three 300 scores under his belt, he knows the sport and understands what bowlers need, he says.

He placed smaller TVs in between lanes so bowlers can watch sports during bowling games. Servers will cater to bowlers so they don’t have to miss a turn. Bowling leagues for adults and children will be a staple.

Throughout the summer bowling will be $1 per game and $1 shoe rental.

But more than bowling, the duo wants Kingston Lanes to be a destination for birthday parties, fundraisers, corporate events and class reunions.

“There’s so much potential,” Arndt said.

Added Kingston: “It’s such a great space. It’s unlike anything else in town. I don’t think anybody in town wanted to see something else here.”

Kingston Lanes will host a grand opening party Saturday from 3 p.m. to close. There will be live music, bowling, volleyball, bags and raffles.