Everyone had heard that the only thing constant in business is Change, and the bowling business is certainly not immune to that. 2007 had been a year of big change at Freeway Lanes. We had the no smoking law come into effect and we logged one of the nicest summer’s on the books that we ever had. This combination created a revenue dip that was felt across the State.
It has been tough making changes to the company so that we could survive. The work force was reduced by over 11% and overall expenses have been reduced by 12%. It has not been easy, but we now see light at the end of the tunnel. Our reductions in revenue are smaller, and our reductions in expenses have started to help.
Now it is time to figure out how to get the business back on the growth track. Our next projects are at Wickliffe and Solon. Wickliffe, on December 7, we begin the installation of 84 lanes of new synthetics accompanied by 12 lanes of high end furniture on the wood lanes that are left. This will accommodate our party business in the 12 lanes, while accommodating the league bowler’s with a consistent surface. This will start on December 7, 2008. Solon is having the first 24 lanes replaced as well as a major TV upgrade in the bar.
Recently all 425 employees where given a questionnaire on what could be done better at Freeway Lanes. We had many good suggestions, and we are taking many action to correct problems identified by the employees. We are listening, and we try to fit these improvements into the model to make a better place for our entire community. Thanks for taking the time to fill these out, we will be doing it again next September. If any customer or employee has a direct suggestion you can email or call me directly, I always have an ear for improvements for the company.
The 10 weeks of free bowling for new bowler’s at Wickliffe and Solon was a smashing success. We attracted over 460 new bowler’s between the centers! This promotion will not be run next year, but we may see it back for 2009-10 season. Thank you for all the bowler’s that signed up and the employee’s who supported it. We saw a lot of people who had left us return, as well as a lot of new faces.
Our safety record across the chain has improved dramatically. The efforts we have made to reduce accidents is really showing up, and this helps us over all in reputation, cost savings and most importantly, LESS PEOPLE HURT! Thanks for the continued efforts of all the people of Freeway Lanes!
Remember to talk to our customers, find out their needs, and give them the service they deserve. The holidays are around the corner, and it is a great time to really go the extra mile and show everyone we care. Look for our new customer service statement to be unveiled in December, and be sure that the more turbulent times are behind us. Happy Holidays to all, and God Bless you and your loved ones.
