Olivette Bowling Lanes Under New Ownership

There’s nothing quite like the label “under new ownership.”

For the first time in 17 years, Olivette Lanes, on the south side of the road at 9520 Olive Blvd., is under new ownership.

Don Klackner, 50, from St. Charles is the new owner, proprietor, general manager—call him what you want.

Klackner brings a wealth of bowling experience to the lanes. He’s been in bowling half his adult life, working 26 years in the industry for the Brunswick Corp. of Chicago. He managed both Lakeside Brunswick Zone in Valley Park and opened and ran the Brunswick Zone Excel Center in St. Peters.

“I though I’d be there for my entire career. I started bowling in junior programs when I was 13 years old. The economy turned bad, they (Brunswick) let me go,” he said.

Facing a tough economy with few prospects, he thought he’d run some ideas by Olivette owner Ted Krygiel who owned and operated the 24-lane center with his wife Joanie.

From losing a career to finding a business, Klackner estimates:  “Things just happen for a reason."

Krygiel had been thinking about retirement for years.

“We made a deal. Let’s say Ted did very well,” said Klackner, who is financing the  purchase through U.S. Bank. Olivette Lanes has produced a steady revenue stream that made the whole deal possible. Besides, nearby Strike ‘N Spare lanes in Creve Coeur closed down, and the nearest competition is Tropicana Lanes in Clayton. Klackner is unsure of Tropicana's future as a viable business in the future of bowling.  “They are owned by three people, all in their 80s,” he said.

Klackner is marketing savvy and keeping it simple. Patrons like the Route 66 retro look and feel of his center. There may be new carpeting and some fresh paint and new more modern scoring machines, but mostly things will stay the same. The zany purple paint on the exterior will remain for now.

Klackner kept the entire Krygiel staff and added a birthday party hostess for good measure. Noted for good food, appetizers and drinks, the restaurant and bar remains mostly unchanged.

The private meeting room for 35 guests is getting a substantial face-lift.

Private groups have already found their way to the newly owned center. Central Christian School in Clayton just hosted a private bowling party. The Ladue School system has had two events there recently. MICDS teachers meet up every Friday for a casual night of bowling.

Klackner plans to build the business by:

• expanding league play

• attracting groups and parties

• boosting school programs

• starting a new junior league program

• having lots of time for family open play

There’s no smoking in this center, so the place smells clean and looks neat and fresh.

Back in 1954, Hall of Fame bowler Nelson Burton Sr. opened the Olivette Lanes to a lot of fanfare. The place flourished for years.

Don Klackner and his team of 15 employees maintain extensive business hours so those who enjoy the game of bowling can find a home for their favorite sport right in the heart of the county in Olivette.

The center can be reached by calling 314-991-0365, or by checking out its new website.