When Doug and Bonnie took over BD Kings Lanes Bar and Grill on September 22, 2025, they saw a business with room to grow and were ready to put in the work. A year later, they have made renovations, welcomed more bowlers and dining customers, and begun introducing new events. But when asked what has made ownership rewarding, they come back to the people.

“Meeting new customers and spending time with our current customers who have become family,” they shared.

That answer gives a personal side to the work happening at the Arlington restaurant, bar, and bowling alley. Behind the improvements and plans are two owners who value the time they spend with the people walking through the door.

Seeing the potential and getting to work

Doug and Bonnie’s reason for purchasing the business was straightforward: “We are both very hard workers and saw a lot of potential with this particular business.”

Their first year has given them opportunities to put that belief into practice. They report growth in both their bowling customer base and overall clientele, along with several renovations since taking ownership. The business brings dining and recreation together, giving them several ways to welcome people and encourage them to return.

Growing a customer base is also what they identify as their biggest challenge. Even as more people have come in, that work remains a priority. Their answers reflect the effort involved in building a business while caring for the customers who already support it.

A meal and a reason to stay awhile

BD Kings Lanes combines a restaurant, bar, and bowling alley under one roof. Visitors can stop for food, spend time on the lanes, or bring people together for a party. Doug and Bonnie offer parties for a variety of occasions, with the combination of food and entertainment giving groups options in one local setting.

They are also adding events to the mix, including music bingo and special bowling events. A recent heavy mug challenge is another example of the activities they are introducing. For people looking for something to do close to home, their Facebook page is the place to follow what is coming up.

When the conversation turns to food, Doug and Bonnie are especially enthusiastic about their broasted gizzards and chicken. They proudly describe them as “the best broasted gizzards and chicken around!!!” It is a claim they make with plenty of enthusiasm, and an invitation for customers to come try them.

Getting the experience right

Asked what they want customers to experience when they visit, Doug and Bonnie gave a clear answer: “We want them to be satisfied every single time.”

They pay particular attention to the food before it goes out and describe perfection as their ultimate goal. They are also training new staff, with the aim of giving every customer the same great experience. Consistency matters to them whether someone is visiting for the first time or has become a familiar face.

They are candid about the difficulty of pleasing everyone, but say they are doing their best. Their response brings the focus back to the work they can do: care about what leaves the kitchen, help staff learn, and keep working toward the standard they want customers to experience.

The customers who become family

New events and renovations are visible signs of change. The relationships Doug and Bonnie describe are another meaningful part of their first year.

Meeting someone new and spending time with a returning customer are both among the rewards of ownership. In their questionnaire, they used the word “family” to describe their current customers. That is a warm way to talk about the people who support a business, and it helps explain why getting each visit right matters so much to them.

For Arlington residents, a visit is also an opportunity to get to know the people investing their work and ideas in a local business. A meal, a bowling outing, or a party can be a starting point for that connection.

Supporting the community and planning ahead

Doug and Bonnie’s community involvement extends beyond the restaurant and lanes. They donate to several local organizations and are especially passionate about Special Olympics. It is a cause they singled out when asked how they give back.

They also have more improvements in mind for the property. Their plans include making the kitchen bigger and updating it, along with completing the apartments upstairs. These are future projects they hope to carry forward as they continue building on their first year of ownership.

Their advice to new business owners fits that ongoing effort. They encourage others to put their heart and soul into the work and emphasize the importance of patience. As they put it, “Remember Rome was not built in a day.”

At BD Kings Lanes, that work continues through renovations, new activities, staff training, and time spent with customers. Doug and Bonnie have plans for what comes next, and a growing circle of people who have made the first year meaningful.

Stop by BD Kings Lanes Bar and Grill at 101 South Main Street in Arlington, or follow BD Kings Lanes Bar and Grill on Facebook to learn more and keep up with upcoming events.