A popular bowling alley in Stow is closing, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as the reason.
Sto-Kent Family Entertainment announced on Facebook that as of today it was closing its doors. The business offered bowling as well as beach volleyball.
The business thanked its customers on Facebook but said the last two years have been “understandably tough.”
“We have exhausted grants, loans and other help to the very end,” the post said. “Having meeting with accountants and attorneys has given us much insight. With that being said, as of today, September 1, our doors are permanently closed.”
The bowling alley said it will post dates and times so that people who have personal items in the building can pick them up.
Attempts to contact the bowling alley’s owners were not successful.
Cyle Feldman, the athletic director for Stow-Munroe Falls schools, said he and bowling coach John Martin found out about the closure on Wednesday.
He said they’re starting to make plans on where else they can bowl this year. Feldman said they’re looking to find another nearby option before the season starts this winter.
Feldman, who is also a Stow city councilman, said he definitely is interested in someone buying the property so that it can remain a bowling alley in the city.
The news sparked an outpouring of likes, shares and comments on Facebook, with many people expressing their sadness that Sto-Kent closed.
“This breaks my heart,” Brian Naftzger wrote on Facebook. “You guys meant so much to our bowling community and always did so much us. I truly appreciate everything you did and will never forget all the great memories spent at Sto-Kent. I wish your family nothing but the best in the future. Much love!”
“My son had so many birthday parties when he was young and continued to go with his friends when he got older!” Jennifer Villa wrote on the post. “He also bowled for Hudson and that was his home alley! So sad to hear this news.”
Many people thanked the bowling alley’s owners directly, and talked about how they felt like family.
