Kings Orlando Boutique Bowling Set to Open in April on International Drive w/22 Regulation Lanes

Hi everyone!

A lot of my readers are not only looking for activities in the theme parks, but around Orlando as well. In April, a new bowling alley will be opening on South International Drive. It will feature 22 regulation size lanes for those of you who love to bowl, as well as dining and 60 big screen TV's all within 30,000 square feet. Keep reading for information in the Kings Bowl press release! We can't wait to check it out.

KINGS Bowl, the Boston-based, dining, bowling and entertainment venue that pioneered the "boutique bowling” revolution in 2003, is scheduled to open its first Florida location in April 2013 in the "I-Drive Live" project on Orlando's world-famous corridor, International Drive.

KINGS first opened its doors in 2003 in the heart of Boston’s historic Back Bay. KINGS’ goal was to focus on recapturing and rekindling the fun and escape of bowling which had faded since its heyday. The 1950's and 1960's are considered to be the golden age of bowling and KINGS’ award-winning design and décor captures this nostalgic feeling, while adding modern twists. From the start, KINGS set out to create a unique and memorable entertainment experience by emphasizing world-class food, cold beer, creative cocktails, cutting edge technology and great music. The focus is on classic, retro-inspired décor and executive chef-designed menus brought to life by best-in-industry service. In doing so, KINGS sparked the modern day bowling renaissance and carved a name for itself as the original "boutique bowling" venue, which has revitalized the sport across America.

KINGS Orlando will offer a first-class dining and entertainment experience unlike any other along International Drive or in Central Florida. In addition to 22 ten-pin bowling lanes, KINGS will offer full-sized billiards tables, a regulation-sized shuffleboard table, a full outdoor bocce ball court (one of only a few in the area), weekend disc jockeys, dancing and much more. Beer enthusiasts who have dreamed of tending bar will take great delight in innovative and engaging tables fitted with beer taps where they can pour the perfect pint at their own pace.  KINGS Orlando will be further differentiated by transforming into an adults-only experience after dark. By day, families with children can bowl and savor homemade ice cream and other treats. At 6 p.m, general public admission moves to adults only, ages 21 and above.

“Bowling has always been a great social sport and Kings has reinvented the experience for a new generation,” says Patrick Lyons, president and founder of the Lyons Group and KINGS Bowl America. “Serious ten-pin athletes will relish our ultramodern lanes and roomy player accommodations, while even the most ‘gutter-prone’ will appreciate our chef’s delicious fare and our thoughtful menu of craft beers and signature cocktails.” The Lyons Group leadership team is backed by more than 100 years of combined entertainment industry experience with a track record of innovation and success. The group is credited with re-energizing Boston’s nightlife scene over three decades with more than 30 dining, nightclub and entertainment venues in its growing portfolio.

From the moment they set foot inside KINGS, guests will know that they are in for an experience unlike any other. A hip, retro-inspired vibe and grooving soundtrack will greet them as they navigate between a friendly evening at the lanes, great food in the restaurant and socializing in KINGS’ lounge bar that translates to an open outdoor café experience on the stylish, full-service patio. Committed sports fans can catch all of the action at KINGS’ massive sports bar boasting 60 HDTVs and projectors and a real-time sports ticker. Guests can also take in the scene on the energetic concourse catching all the action happening throughout the expansive facility.

The idea of bowling alley food as an afterthought is tossed in the gutter at KINGS; everything is carefully crafted, made fresh and delivered daily. The full-service KINGS restaurant will serve an impressive, executive chef-designed menu of American favorites and delicious comfort food. Appetizers include unique, modern plays on classic bar fare, such as cheeseburger spring rolls, perfectly fried mac & cheese bites and homemade buffalo chicken wontons. Entrees are highlighted by house-smoked baby back ribs, juicy and creative burgers and KINGS’ signature, tender, award-winning steak tips. Diners will finish their meal with a taste of sweet nostalgia from the built-in Ice Cream Shoppe featuring creative sundaes and delicious homemade desserts. The impressive menu is served throughout the entire facility until close seven days a week.

“I look at every dish on the menu and I think of ways to exceed expectations by sourcing only the finest ingredients and adding a ‘kick’ to every dish,” says Executive Chef Andre Bautista. “We pride ourselves on everything being made from scratch, in-house daily and making sure that each and every plate has a ‘wow-factor’.”

In addition to the food and entertainment, KINGS is well-known for its special events and parties. The venue will boast multiple jaw-dropping private bowling and meeting spaces complimented by state-of-the-art audio and visual capabilities. Two meeting rooms can be made completely private and can accommodate up to 100 and 200 people, respectively. Party goers can bowl while enjoying an assortment of upscale culinary delights served right to the lanes, as well as best-in-industry service that has already made KINGS a repeat destination for so many in Boston and Chicago. Birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, kids’ parties, and corporate and team building parties are all made memorable with the unique combination of entertainment, great food and unforgettable service.

KINGS is committed to being an actively engaged member of the Orlando community and has pledged to work with community-based initiatives in an effort to raise money through “fun-raisers” and in-kind donations. KINGS has already made a philanthropic name in its markets, having hosted and raised millions for local charities attended by the likes of popular celebrities and athletes including former and current NBA stars Shaquille O’Neal, Glen “Big Baby” Davis, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Patriots Tom Brady, Wes Welker and Jerod Mayo, Bears captain Charles Tillman, and BC and NFL legend Doug Flutie. KINGS will immediately look to make a similar impact in the Orlando area. Other famous guests at KINGS include Lady Gaga, Adam Sandler, Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg and many more of music and Hollywood’s finest.

KINGS will also assure that local residents and members of the Orlando hospitality industry are treated like royalty on the traditionally tourist-heavy International Drive. From opening, they will receive a free loyalty card that will provide the benefits of seasonally rotated, exclusive specials and discounts. Locals will also appreciate free surface parking in 600 adjacent available spaces and easy access via Universal Boulevard. KINGS has also planned a private opening party to offer an exclusive reveal of the venue to Orlando residents and hospitality industry members.

Keep your eyes on kingsbowlamerica.com for more information, and follow on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the Orlando opening.