Bryce Smith – Adel Family Fun Center and 2016 Candidate
This month we are pleased to present an interview with Bryce Smith, owner of the Adel Family Fun Center (AFFC) and 2016 candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives, District 19.
Bryce Smith – Owner of Adel Family Fun Center
Adel has been home to a bowling alley since the 1930s. Originally located on the square, the small 8-lane alley was a popular destination.
In 1958 the owners moved the bowling alley to its permanent home on the Western side of town, expanding to 12 lanes with mechanical pin setting and ball returns- features of the bowling craze that swept the nation.
Since opening 58 years ago, the center has held on to its historic roots- featuring the original brick and mortar, machinery, wood lanes, and tile floors.
New owner Bryce Smith hopes to retain the classic bowling alley feel while providing modern amenities and family-centered fun.
Bryce Smith grew up in DeSoto and graduated from the ADM school district. At the age of 14 he started working at the bowling alley, and remained through high school. Bryce has always been a busy man- taking part in student government, the National Honor Society, Choir, Sports, and various extra curricular activities.
“When I graduated I mentioned to the owner at the time that if she was ever going to sell, to please let me know because it turned into a dream of mine, a goal of mine, to own a bowling alley and run it. I went to UNI to be an educator and I ended up working at a 50-lane bowling alley up there as a manager. I got my teaching degree and right as I graduated it happened that [the owner of the bowling alley] was looking to retire. I always thought it would be awesome to be back in this community so I moved home. I’ve been in charge of operations and management for the past year and a half.”
With Bryce as the new owner of the Adel Family Fun Center, the bowling alley has undergone several renovation projects to return the center to its former glory.
“Over the last two years we overhauled all of our bowling machines. Last summer we took apart every machine, cleaned it, put it all back together and made sure every part was working correctly. I am fortunate enough to have a couple of employees that have always bowled here and worked here who are very mechanically savvy and keep us running. We pride ourselves on routine maintenance that keeps us from those big breakdowns. We also resurfaced the original wood lanes that are over 55 years old. We pride ourselves on that authentic, nostalgic bowling alley feel.”
The AFFC updated the automatic scoring system, added flat screen TVs and new arcade games, and revamped the menu to include a full service dine-in or carry out bar and grill serving food daily from 11-8:30pm. Currently, Bryce and his team are redoing the bar top, tables, and seating area to create a comfortable eatery within the bowling alley.
“We cater to a family experience so that each person has something to do while they’re here. We offer pool, darts, and arcade games.
Every few months we rotate them out- we might get a pinball game, or something more nostalgic or retro.
Its something we like to do because it allows you to come back and experience something new.
We expanded the menu to the point that there is something for anyone. We added a list of appetizers, pizzas, and a full bar with alcoholic beverages, a liquor wall, and select wines. We serve pub food and use a food distributor that strives to provide local product and quality.”
Bryce is also negotiating a grant from the Americans with Disabilities Act to renovate a handicap accessible entry, bathrooms, and a ramp from the seating area to the lanes for those with special needs and/or wheelchairs, that he hopes to have completed by the end of the year.
“The bowling center is something I see as an important resource for communities. Bowling is an interactive activity that just about any person can do. Ever since I was a young kid doing youth league, I saw my parents bowl; my grandparents, friends, family, relatives, people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Its an activity that anyone can participate in. Bowling can be a team activity, an individual activity, a social activity. Bowling is an asset to a community; having that recreation/ sports involvement that just about anyone can partake in.”
League bowling is as hot as ever, with about 140 bowlers of all ages meeting five times a week from September through April. Some league members have been bowling since the 1970s and still call the Adel Family Fun Center home.
During the summer months, AFFC offers open bowling during regular hours. Summer hours are ideal for gatherings of all sizes. Birthday parties, corporate outings, and field trips to the bowling alley are fun for all ages! Bryce recommends making lane reservations in advance for groups of 4 or more to ensure a short wait time throughout the year.
In addition to operating a thriving Adel business, Bryce is very involved with community activities and politics, which have been his passion for years.
Bryce Smith – 2016 candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives – District 19
“I got involved in political science in Cedar Falls. My neighbor was running for the Iowa House of Representatives so I helped her to campaign and door knock.
She was elected in 2014 and needed someone to help her clerk at the State House so I volunteered.
Becoming a small business owner, I got more involved at a government level understanding taxes, regulations, licensers, and all that fun stuff that comes with owning a business.
It got me more involved in local politics- so I could understand what was happening and why it was being done that way. In doing so, I got involved in local politics and decided to run for the Iowa House of Representatives in the General Election on November 8th, 2016.
Bryce believes strongly in his missions to strengthen Main Street Iowa, prioritize public education, diversify energy needs, and bring Iowa into the 21st century. “I believe that with a hands-on, communicative representative to relay the messages of everyday, hard working people we can make government work for the people.” Learn more about the details of Bryce’s political plans and donate to his campaign at www.Bryce4Iowa.com.
Bryce is proud to call Adel home and is excited to further develop his ties with the community he loves.
“This community thrives on small businesses. We’re just far enough away from the metro that we can retain that small, brick street feel while maintaining the atmosphere of competitiveness amongst industries. It’s refreshing to offer an indoor activity without the jaunt into Des Moines and back. We have access and the ability to share this business with a multitude of people. I see the Adel Family Fun Center as a resource and community hub for all.”
To learn more about upcoming events, specials, and more, “Like” the Adel Family Fun Center on Facebook and watch for their new website coming soon!
Adel Family Fun Center
1526 Greene St.
Adel, IA 50003
Phone: 515-993-3350
Facebook: facebook.com/affcbowl
