Poelkings Solidify Their Dominion Over Dayton, Ohio Area

Michael Poelking – a third-generation bowling center kingpin – isn’t sitting back on his throne. “My father taught me as a young man that it’s vital to keep modern and reinvest in your business,” he says. Hence, the recent $1 million renovation of Marian Lanes, one of four centers that Poelking co-owns with his cousin, Joe.

The crowning touch here is Insiders, a gorgeous new 8-lane boutique set off from the rest of the center and booked nearly solid with private parties since it opened in January. Insiders features oiled-cherry Brunswick ColorFull lanes, Striking Line® couch seating and a new bar with cloud ceiling and hard-crafted wooden beams overhead. Ellen Poelking, Michael’s wife and GM of Marian Lanes, came up with the name, and the couple dedicated Insiders to Michael’s father, who built the center in 1976. The fireplace is flanked by two bookshelves that display Jerry Poelking’s photo and bowling memorabilia. “I lost him at the early age of 66 and can only hope he can see what we’ve done,” Michael says.

Visiting Marian Lanes leaves no doubt that Jerry would be incredibly proud. The bustling 51-lane center exemplifies the Poelking motto of “Always Clean – Always Friendly – Always Fun”, now more than ever. “Without Brunswick, this project does not happen on this scale,” Michael adds. To which we humbly reply: Back at you, hail the mighty Poelkings!