Finally. An iconic Jacksonville Beach landmark known as a family-oriented entertainment destination is reopening after undergoing a multi-million dollar restoration, renovation and upgrade project.
Beach Bowl, at 818 Beach Blvd., will host its grand opening June 17 — nearly five years after shutting its doors to the dismay of bowlers and families who routinely traveled from throughout Northeast Florida for a day or evening of fun.
, which owns Beach Bowl, announced the highly anticipated opening on social media Tuesday after teasing it for several weeks.
The revitalized Beach Bowl features a modern bowling center as well as a new two-story restaurant featuring rooftop dining. The site plan called for the building to be expanded by about 6,200 square feet to accommodate the new restaurant.
Guests will have a choice between 24 bowling lanes on the main floor or can upgrade to four private lanes on the second floor. The private lanes will feature SPARK bowling — "a realistic and interactive animation including special effects and virtual characters projected directly onto the bowling lane," Beach Bowl officials said Wednesday in a news release detailing the amenities.
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There is a large arcade with 40-plus interactive games where players can earn tickets to exchange for prizes.
Beach Bowl has two large bars — one on the main floor and the other on the second-floor patio. The bars will offer 48 beers on tap, as well as co*cktails such as a Mojito Margarita. There also will be a curated wine list.
The Beach Bowl kitchen offers freshly made-from-scratch lunch and dinner menu items. Options range from chicken wings to street tacos, flatbreads and chef-inspired specials. There's also a kid's menu, according to the news release.
In addition, three private rooms on the main floor as well as one on the second will be available to accommodate group events.
Historic icon restored and revitalized
Beach Bowl abruptly closedabruptly on Nov. 2, 2019, after about 60 years in business. The popular but time-worn bowling alley announced its closure on Facebook:
"Beach Bowl where the Good Times have stopped rolling.....Sorry to say that we are closed for the unforeseeable [sic] future. Thank you all for your patronage. Many people grew up here. Thanks for the memories!!!" it posted.
The closure came as the result of alawsuit filed in 2017 regarding the lease between H&H Enterprises and the tenant, which was operating the bowling alley, Duval County court records show
Fast forward to Feb. 2021. The city of Jacksonville Beach approved a proposed $7.5 million restoration, renovation and expansion proposal from H&H Enterprises to resurrect and expand the facility.
Mayor Christine Hoffmanpreviously told the Times-Union that a revamped Beach Bowl was welcomed as an asset to the community.
"Bowling alleys appeal to all ages and sofamilies will certainly benefit from this entertainment option!A complex of this scale will be a destination not just for our local and nearbyresidents, but also visitors to our area," Hoffman said.
Hoffman was among those saddened when Beach Bowl closed. As a teenager, the bowling alley was popular with her and her friends, she said.
"Beach Bowl was a frequent destination for me and my friends throughouthigh school. I wasnever very good, but we always had a great time and it was an affordable night out for teenagers," Hoffman said previously.
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The bowling alley remained popular with adults, too, over the years, she said.
"As an adult, I have friends who organized and participated in the Jacksonville Scene bowling league every week and are thrilled with the news that it is coming back," Hoffman noted.
The original 19,677-square-foot building was built in 1958, Duval County property records show. Longtime residents say the bowling alley opened the following yearafter first serving as a warehouse.
Beach Bowl recently received its state retail beverage and food service licenses from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, online records show.
"We’re so thrilled to finally bring back a piece of Jacksonville Beach’s history! We can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it again," a Beach Bowl representative said in the news release.
The grand opening will include live music, food, drinks, and gifts for all guests, the representative also said.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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