Professional Bowling Association Hall of Fame inductee Steve Cook has accomplished essentially everything there is in bowling. 15 professional titles, the ’81 Tournament of Champions, ’86 U.S. Open, and ’83 Touring Players Championship. Now he attempts to tackle yet another side of the sport.
Ownership.
The 6’7” California native now stands over Fireside Lanes, a bowling center in Citrus Heights, CA. The 32 synthetic lane center isn’t the Hall of Fame owner Cook’s first venture, he started Steve Cook’s Bowling Supply Inc. in 1989 – and upon discovery of Fireside Lanes being for sale – he jumped on the opportunity to buy he told the Roseville Press Tribune,
“It was always kind of my place,” said Cook. “When I came home, that’s where I went and bowled.”
And about the purchase,
“All of a sudden, boom! We went into negotiations,” he said. “It was done within 60 days.”
He will have the luxury of focusing full attention on the transition to “Steve Cook’s Fireside Lanes”, as his family will assume daily business for the supply company. Steve and his wife will work together on revamping the center,
“Me and my wife are both excited about it. It has a great following and a good base. I want to jump in and get going in the right direction. I think people will enjoy it. It’s always been a family bowling center.”
He also tells of his plans for the facility. Gathering intel from other pro bowlers and patrons, Cook plans to give Fireside a “lodge feel” and recreate the center’s foundation for atmosphere, as he says the place “needs work”.
No doubt that Cook’s name and respect among the bowling community will bring the edge to Fireside Lanes. One of the PBA’s “Top 50 Players of All-Time” has quite the task on his hand. However, as he showed throughout his successful career as a pro bowler and businessman, he may be the best man for the job.
Email: firesidelanes@surewest.net
Telephone: (916) 725-2101
Bowling Center Management Online 