Built for Leagues How Strike Zone Modernized Without Losing the Competitive Edge
IBI magazine features Strike Zone in Williston, ND, where Boost ST replaced 1958-era pinsetters—cutting costs and downtime without losing the center's competitive edge.
Modern Moves That Matter Now: How Olympia Lanes Modernized for Today
IBI (International Bowling Industry) magazine featured Olympia Lanes in its November 2025 issue in a Success With story by Stephanie Davis. Here's a look at the story.
Nick Loxas doesn't chase every new tech trend—but when something genuinely improves the guest and staff experience, he's all in. Loxas operates two centers in northwest Indiana: the 40-lane Olympia Lanes in Hammond, opened by his father, John, in 1985, and a 32-lane Olympia Lanes in Michigan City, purchased about a year and a half ago.
"We've always tried to stay on the leading edge," Loxas says. "We were the first in our area to have automatic scoring and synthetic lanes." That mindset continues today, with both centers honoring their roots while modernizing to serve casual guests and competitive bowlers alike.
Key takeaways from the article:
- Sync as the foundation. In 2019, Loxas upgraded to the Sync Operating System, calling it "the best operating system I've ever used." The platform streamlined daily operations and opened new doors for engagement—building customer lists and sending offers like free appetizers or a free game to encourage return visits.
- Sync Pay in the remodel. When remodeling the Michigan City center, Loxas added Sync Pay, Sync's fully integrated payment solution. Built directly into the larger point-of-sale and management system, it eliminated third-party processor headaches. A favorite feature is real-time monitoring: "If a guest's credit card is getting close to its limit, the system alerts us before it's declined."
- More revenue, less waiting. Sync Pay enabled OrderNow, letting guests order food, drinks, and additional games right from lane tablets or phones. "Our staff can focus on service instead of running back and forth taking orders," Loxas says. "Even better, the average ticket size has gone up, with guests adding more items."
- Guests notice. Beyond convenience, Loxas says the upgrades signal that the centers are thriving. "When they see we're upgrading, it sends the message that we're committed to their experience. They like knowing we're staying current."
Next up, Loxas is bringing Sync Pay to the Hammond location, with Spark interactive scoring on the horizon and plans for new outdoor attractions. "Upgrading your center isn't something you do just to prepare for the future," he says. "It's something that pays off right now."
Read the full story from IBI magazine here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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For Nick Loxas, modernization isn't just about preparing for the future—it's about creating a better experience right now. "When guests see you reinvesting in your business, they appreciate it and reward you with loyalty," he says.
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Because Sync Pay is built directly into the larger Sync point-of-sale and management system, you don't need a third-party processor. It also offers real-time monitoring that alerts staff when a guest's card is approaching its limit, before it declines.
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Guests order food, drinks, and extra games right from lane tablets or phones, and orders go straight to the kitchen. Staff spend less time running back and forth, and average ticket size has increased—especially with groups ordering large shareables and rounds of drinks.
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Guests of all ages have embraced the convenience of ordering without leaving the lanes or waiting in line. Loxas also notes a secondary benefit: visible investment signals to guests that the centers are thriving and committed to their experience.
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