A previous version of this story incorrectly said that Spare Lounge is under new ownership; it is under new management. WCPO regrets the error.
CINCINNATI — Visitors to Downtown bowling alley Spare Lounge should not expect to see major changes under its new management.
What people can expect to find are more ways to enjoy knocking over a few pins with friends, family and co-workers at the venue, which first opened at 35 E. Seventh St. in 2014.
“We’re going to focus more on corporate events, late-night programming and leagues, special events and birthday parties,” said DeBron Betts, whose DB Entertainment group took over promotions for Spare Lounge two weeks ago.
Betts said Spare Lounge's location appealed to him and his business partner, as did the opportunity to diversify DB Entertainment's portfolio of businesses in the city. Its other ventures include salons, bars and nightclubs like Level, which is located at 435 Elm St.
“This was another great accent to add,” Betts said. "We also have food, and during the day from 5 to 9 p.m. children are welcome.”
Duke Energy booked the lounge for a corporate event in July, Betts said. He hopes word spreads and that other businesses will rent the space for team-building activities during weekday hours, when lanes are not open to the public.
Some changes to Spare Lounge’s appearance and menu will gradually appear during the months ahead, Betts said.
“We’re going to do some updating: some new lighting and upgrades,” he said. “The menu will be expanded a little, but we are going to keep it nice and simple and have specialty items and drinks.”
The food menu currently includes $1 wings, bite-sized caprese, hummus, ahi poke, chicken tenders and pizza.
Betts is preparing to open sign-ups for winter bowling leagues this week, as well as planning special events to coincide with large conventions and festivals hosted Downtown.
“We are gearing up for the NAACP national convention and the Cincinnati Music Festival,” Betts said. “We are going to open up for a happy hour for them and do bowling specials for those guests.”
The lounge also will host a brunch on noon to 5 p.m. July 23 for guests in town for the music festival. The NAACP conference begins Saturday and runs through Wednesday at the Duke Energy Convention Center.
Spare Lounge
35 E. Seventh St., Downtown
5 p.m. to midnight Wednesday-Thursday
5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday
6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday
Text 513-237-6266 for reservation information.
www.sparelounge.com
