Q10: Bay View Bowl

Bay View Bowl
2416 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Mike and Andrea Kosinski
(414) 483-0950

1. What is the best part of owning a bowling alley business?

The hours and dealing with all kinds of people, and during bowling season, having the same people every week.

2. What is the most challenging?

Trying to find the newest trends and keeping up with them (music, lighting). Also keeping our wood lanes in good condition.

3. Do you think you’ll see an increase in bowling when the smoking ban takes effect next year?

It’s hard to tell right now. We hope it will bring more people with families.

4. How many lanes do you have?

Twelve lanes, eight with built-in bumpers for children. 

5. Is there something unique about your bowling alley? If so, what?

Only having 12 lanes allows us to get to know our customers on a more personal level.

6. Do you have any youth leagues?

No, but I would love to start a parent/child league on Saturday or Sunday morning in the fall.

7. How has your business changed over time?

More modern. It is a lot different than 10 years ago when it was all brown paneling, brown carpet and floors, and yellow and orange lanes. Now our customers say it’s more like a nightclub atmosphere. The alley was established 95 years ago or more and was always a bowling center, but we purchased it from the John Schneider family in 1999.

8. What would make Bay View a better environment for your business?

More camaraderie between Bay View businesses. For example, on Tuesday nights I run a Bay View Bar League. When we’re done bowling, we go to one of the sponsoring bars for food. It’s a great way to meet other bar owners and their patrons.

9. Do you agree that Milwaukee is considered to be the center (heart) of bowling in the United States?

I would like to think so, but I’ve read more and more about celebrities who have charity functions and large parties at bowling centers in the Hollywood scene. Bowling is becoming popular again-everywhere!

10. Were you disappointed when the U.S. Bowling Congress left Milwaukee and moved to Texas?

Yes, from the standpoint of losing a big business, but the Greater Milwaukee Bowling Association is still located in Pewaukee. They have more to do with building local bowling centers by publishing scores and giving awards. I was more upset when the USBC (U.S. Bowling Congress) Masters Tournament left two years ago.

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