After a year of planning, development and delays, Strikers is set to offer a family entertainment experience in the capital beginning next month.
The family entertainment center, located in the building that used to house Capital Bowl, will offer a multitude of options for visitors, including bowling, a VIP section, arcade games, food and more. While the initial vision was a standard bowling alley, Scot Drinkard and the other owners quickly decided to go all-out for the entertainment venue.
"From when we started on this project, we've upped the cost by around $2 million," said Drinkard, who owns several local businesses including The Pizza Company and The Office Bar. "We educated ourselves and expanded our video games and simulators. We wanted to make the facility absolutely as good as we could and therefore we spent more than we anticipated, but we really didn't go over budget; we just made the place nicer."
The facility boasts 10 bowling lanes and a VIP section, two sports simulators offering more than 30 events to play through and 42 redemption arcade games that include virtual reality and classics like skee-ball.
The facility also has a full kitchen and bar staffed by experienced staff members that have been staples at local restaurants, as well as seating for 200 people.
Strikers is also the first location in Missouri to use the Spark system, Drinkard said. The interactive program projects virtual games and graphics onto the lanes from the scoring table to the pins, letting bowlers of all ages and experience levels personalize their game with a unique flavor and social experience. The system offers everything from dancing projections to adaptations of popular video games and trails that follow the ball on its way down the lanes.
While much of the entertainment equipment is ready to go, some parts of the venue have experienced delays due to the pandemic. Seating for the dining area was delayed by more than a month as workers and transporters were forced to stop working due to exposure or supply issues, though things are quickly falling into place now, Drinkard said.
After all the changes and delays, Strikers is set to host visitors at 2017 Christy Drive beginning March 1. Drinkard said he looked forward to seeing his hometown enjoy a new opportunity to have fun and relax at the state-of-the-art venue.
"I feel like there is like five different businesses in one here, so there are a lot of moving parts and opportunities," he said. "We're excited to bring this to the community. It should be a great fit, and we're super excited to get the doors open for everybody to enjoy it."
Bella Roos Boutique closing
Children clothes reseller Bella Roos Boutique has closed its doors, owner Justa Brendel said.
The business closed after its last week of business Saturday, having offered customers a final sale before shuttering for good. The business opened at 2020 E. High St. in September, offering parents a new opportunity for the sale and purchase of clothing.
Brendel said the largest contributors to the business' plight were its location, parking availability and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people's willingness to go out and shop. She said many people would prefer to shop online from the comfort of their homes.
The business was envisioned as a boutique that gave parents an affordable alternative to spending large amounts of money on clothing children would quickly grow out of while also offering the chance to trade unneeded clothing in for cash. Offering an up-scale boutique with clothing made for everyone from premature babies to 6-year-olds was no easy task.
"This experience has given me a deep appreciation for all small-business owners," Brendel said. "The amount of heart and soul that is poured into making one's dream a reality cannot be explained. It's one of the most exciting, yet most stressful adventures you could ever take. Small businesses cannot survive without the support of their community. Moving forward, I will make a conscious effort to frequent our local shops."
While her business might not have taken off as she had hoped, Brendel said the relationships and support she had seen from customers during the past several months would stick with her as she moved on to the next chapter.
"I would like to thank all of those who have supported our small business over the past several months. I have enjoyed the many conversations and will miss seeing each of you. While I never expected this to be part of the experience, one of my most cherished takeaways will be of those who shared their stories of life and loss of a child, please know that I am forever grateful."
Know of any business happenings around Jefferson City? Let us know at [email protected] or 573-761-0243.
Julie Smith/News Tribune
Cassie Willard stands behind the shoe counter at Strikers, which will soon be opening to the public. Located in the former Westgate Lanes, the building has undergone a transformation to make it a total entertainment venue. Willard will work the shoe counter, in the arcade or wherever needed when the business opens to the public.
Julie Smith/News Tribune
Strikers will be open soon and staff is in the final preparation stages for a soft opening on Sunday so they can see what adjustments may be necessary. The entertainment center will feature several bowling lanes, including four partitioned off for private parties, an arcade featuring games for young ones and older arcade afficianados, a bar and much more.
Julie Smith/News Tribune
The four bowling lanes partitioned off at Strikers are capable of having video projections on the lane, featuring the ability to see the trail of the ball as it slides or rolls toward the pins. Strikers, which is located in the old Westgate Lanes, is set to open soon.
Julie Smith/News Tribune
Hailey Dudenhoeffer prepares to swing a golf driver in one of the game simulation booths at Strikers, which will be soon be open. The entertainment center will feature several bowling lanes, including four partitioned off for private parties, an arcade featuring games for young ones and older arcade afficianados, a bar and much more.
Julie Smith/News Tribune
The video arcade in Strikers should prove to be a popular stopping spot for people of all ages. There are high-end video games and the ever-popular skee ball and many in between.