CICERO, Ill. (WLS) — A celebration was held in Cicero on Saturday as Town Hall Bowl reopened its doors.
A 25-year-old owner rehabbed the business with some help from his more than one million social media followers.
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Each throw and pin knocked down are now part of a new chapter of life for Town Hall Bowl in Cicero.
“It’s kind of unbelievable because I’ve practically been living in this bowling alley for what seems like the last three months,” said Yianni Mavrakis, the owner of Town Hall Bowl. “I’ve probably spent about 15 nights here trying to paint the walls and get everything ready for today.”
Its newest owner, Mavrakis, took the struggling 60-year-old bowling alley on a new lane, spending months rehabilitating the building.
“This place was abused,” Mavrakis said. “The previous owners did not take care of it.”
A lot of places like this are going down now, and to see one just being revived and getting a second chance is very big
Cesar Gomez, grand opening attendee
All this effort was to prepare for its big reopening event on Saturday. The day featured music, food, and sports, creating a great success for both professional players and hobbyist bowlers.
“When I’m in here and there’s a family here having a good time, like, that’s what keeps me rolling,” Mavrakis said.
His efforts to revive the facility were viewed millions of times on social media.
“Walking in felt like entering an Instagram post,” said Chantelle Roulston, who attended the grand opening. “It’s amazing to see what went on behind the scenes and the final result.”
It’s a dream no longer.
“There’s a lot of energy,” Roulston said. “People are laughing. People around me are cheering me on.”
Now, it’s striking a nostalgic reality.
“When I was younger, I competed here in youth competitions,” said Nick Anderson, a professional bowler. “I see a couple of potential future pro bowlers around. Some of them are hitting strikes.”
“A lot of places like this are shutting down these days, so witnessing one get a new life and another chance is quite significant,” said Cesar Gomez, another attendee of the grand opening.
“This place will be successful so long as the community accepts it,” Mavrakis said.
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