The family that owns Champlain Lanes announced Tuesday that the 16-lane bowling alley that has operated for half a century on Route 7 in Shelburne will close in May.
Its last day of business is scheduled for May 12, which is also the conclusion of the 55th Annual Champlain International Championship Tournament.
Co-owner Randy Longe told Seven Days that the family has never owned the building that houses the business, and that their choice to close it was made in close consultation with the landlord, Trey Pecor.
“It’s a decision that has come jointly between the landlord and the Longe family,” Longe said. “It’s a decision that has been extremely, extremely difficult for us.”
The Longes and Pecors have been working together since Longe’s father, Raymond Longe, opened the alley in 1964 in a building built by Ray Pecor Sr.
Trey Pecor did not immediately respond to an email for comment.
The small center serves the local league bowling scene as well as what Randy Longe described as a “young adult” clientele who enjoy the alley’s nostalgic feel.
But the business, while still profitable, needs upgrades, and the building needs work, Longe said.
“It’s not economically feasible to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in a building we don’t own,” he said.
The value of the property has increased substantially in recent years — “a big factor” that loomed in the decision, Longe said. Just last June, Pecor informed residents of the adjacent Lakeview Mobile Home Park that he intended to sell the property.
Longe also owns Twin City Family Fun Center in Berlin, which he remodeled several years ago, adding laser tag, an arcade and a restaurant. He thinks there’s still a market in the Burlington area for a small bowling center, “but it would have to be someone that owns the property.”
Longe said the decision has been “very, very emotional” for him and his brother, Michael. Longe choked up as he read aloud to Seven Days the last lines of a letter the family sent Monday to some of its longtime clients.
“We cannot begin to express the hole in our hearts this decision has made,” he read. “We could talk endlessly about the memories we have and the friendships we’ve made. We will miss this center for sure. However, it is you, our customers and friends, who have made the memories. We will miss you the most.”
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Here we go again, another local business gone because the owner doesn’t want to bother. They never seem to try and find a buyer. Nope. They just give up.
Vermont is the Give Up State. Too many good companies gone.
Glad you have all the answers on that, Brad. Another vapid keyboard hero who doesn’t bother to read the article.
Brad Barratt have you seen the property? A wise decision indeed. Why put money into a building you don’t own- and there is no way with the value of the property the Pecors would consider an update… It’s not a national monument….the owners certainly have the right to develope it for a better use and make some better moneOr is that a sin now-a days?
Champlain Lanes is a very special place to our league bowlers. Though I am not one to give details so I wont, but yes, not owning the property, and the property needing work are some big reasons. Also, bowling is just not what it used to be and other streams of income within this property are very limited due to space, etc. My family has done an outstanding job pioneering competitive bowling in Vermont we will close these doors with our heads high and a special place in out hearts.
Deals where the Business does not own the property, usually dont end well..sounds like years of neglect by the property owner.. hoping now for a big pay day from the land.. good for him.. typical
Just a sad thing!! 55 Years is a long time
You are out of your element, Brad, like a child who wanders into the middle of a movie…
Furthermore, that bowling alley really tied Route 7 together, man.
We in Rutland will certainly miss Champlain Lanes ! Great memories. The Longe family has done an amazing job over the years. We are sad to hear the news. Gayle Wortman
Brad Barratt’s comments show the same lack of knowledge of basic economics so many people now have. Unlike the lawmakers who do not care about spending and spending, business owners cannot stay in business when the balance sheet is negative. There are times when staying open is more expensive than closing but people do not understand this basic premise of capitalism
so sad, love this place and really don’t enjoy the other lanes with all the bells, whistles and flashy light. no thanks.
So so so many amazing memories I was blessed to have gotten the chance to make there with some of the best friends I ever had…. I’m sad to hear of it closing its doors for good but its def. Been a good run that’s for sure…. Thanks for the good times….Zak and Brandon longe ,chad tobin,Patti Ralston,Lola cita Ralston, Melissa fisher, Lindsey Costello, and a few more I know I’m missing….those were the good Ol days!!! Love and miss u all a whole bunch!!!
@Gayle Wortman, as the article stated (and I’m assuming correctly) this is NOT about the balance sheet being negative. The article states that the business is still profitable. It comes down to the building needing updates, and the business owner not wanting to do that on a building they don’t own.