Archbold bowling center gets high-tech facelift

By STEVE COLON

Expositor Editor

ARCHBOLD - NuArch Lanes bowling center is getting a facelift which will make it one of the most modern, high-tech bowling centers in a 50-mile radius.

Work on the renovation is nearing completion and owner Vernon Nemire is pleased with the progress and the potential.

"I felt that to keep up with the turnaround and go in the right direction, I needed to do something to stay ahead of the time and the competition," Nemire said. "I have always made it my belief that I didn't want to follow the competition."

As part of being on the leading edge, the bowling center is installing a new Qubica scoring system complete with 12 new 37" flat screen monitors. Nemire plans to have all the renovations and installations complete in time for the new league season which begins at the end of August.

"When I decided to go all-out with this big modernization, I wanted to show my appreciatieon to our standby bowlers and attract and build more bowlers," Nemire said. "I am very pleased with the added response and the new bowlers getting involved."

A grand opening is planned for Saturday, Sept. 6 when all the new technology and changes will be revealed.

The new scoring system is still an automated system, but this one expands the capabilites beyond simply scoring games. It includes themed screens which can be used to customize birthday or business parties and holidays. Nemire said there will be matching plates, cups and napkins for each screen theme available.

As part of the physical renovations, the restrooms have been completely remodeled, new chairs have been purchased and new ceiling tiles have been installed. New pins have also been purchased. He plans to do a future update to the lounge area.

"I really want to create a 'wow' experience when people come in," he said.

Nemire is no stranger to the bowling business. He began his career in 1955 working as an installer of bowling systems. In 1959, he built the Montpelier bowling center and bought Nu-Arch Lanes in 1991.

Nemire has been a long-time supporter of the city association by sponsoring a tournament to benefit a local scholarship for graduating seniors. As part of the upgrades, he has the Hammer Ball company on board as a sponsor of the upcoming association tournament. They have also donated two high-end balls to be raffled to benefit the fund.

Nemire said the project has cost around $80,000 but expects the work to pay dividends as customers continue to come to the center to bowl.

"This has been challenging but it has been fun," he said.