Bowler’s surprise move could keep beloved Kitchener alley out of the gutter

CTV’s Spencer Turcotte finds out why bowlers at AMF Frederick Lanes believe the alley could soon be closing for good.

A Kitchener bowling alley that was destined to close for good may have been thrown a lifeline after a surprise social media video surfaced suggesting one of its loyal bowlers had stepped up to buy the business.

Earlier this month, CTV News reported on the closure of AMF Frederick Lanes. The story elicited an emotional reaction from customers and league members who described the venue as a community hub and second home for many of its regulars.

A new video circulating online appears to show one of the bowlers interviewed by CTV News revealing he had purchased the alley in an effort to keep it operational.

News of the apparent deal sparked excitement and cautious optimism among local bowlers, many of whom feared the closure would mark the end of another local and longtime institution.

Kitchener has lost several bowling venues over the last decade. In 2023, Towne Bowl announced it would close after 64 years in business, citing the end of an era for five-pin bowling in the city.

It is unclear what the plans for the newly purchased alley may be, including whether operations would resume immediately or if there would be changes by the new owners.