Bowlero Annandale to have soft opening this weekend

UPDATED DEC. 16: It looks like the soft opening will probably be pushed back to Dec. 26. 

The newly renovated Annandale bowling center is slated to have a soft opening this Saturday, assuming all goes well with the remaining finishing touches. There will be a grand opening ceremony in January.

The bowling alley, at 4245 Markham Street, is now part of the Bowlero Corp.’s network of some 300 bowling centers, nearly all in the United States.

There are 48 bowling lanes, an arcade with 45 games, a new check-in desk, and new restrooms.

Bowlero Annandale features an open kitchen and a full bar. Diners will be able to order food from servers, from a walk-up snack bar, or from touch screens at the bowling lanes.

It has the biggest bar in Annandale and the second-biggest in the Bowlero network, says Andrew Keys, general manager.

Some of the menu items will include pizza, flatbreads, salads, burgers, shakes, gluten-free pizza with a cauliflower crust, wings, tacos, fries, sandwiches, and pretzels.

While the old bowling alley, known as Annandale AMF Lanes, looked like it hadn’t changed since the 1950s, the new facility has a contemporary design with brick walls; orange lights on a black ceiling; comfortable red, gray, and white seating for bowlers; big screens showing bowling scores; and red, orange, blue, and green bowling balls.

The bowling leagues – some existing and some new ones – will start on Jan. 5.

Keys plans to continue the specials, such as $2 Tuesdays, half-price kids’ games on Wednesdays, Sunday fun day discounts; and all-you-can bowl Mondays.

Bowlero Annandale will host birthday parties, corporate events, and other special events. To book a party, call 703-256-2211.