Garrettsville – For the past 17 years, Aaron King has operated SkyLanes Bowling. King noted that the Paul family brought him in as a partner in 2006. “I owe a debt of gratitude to the Paul family for giving me a chance,” he noted. And eight months ago, King bought them out, and became the sole owner of SkyLane Bowling, as well as Sky Lounge, Café, and Drive Thru.
The plan to purchase the businesses came about roughly a year ago. “When the decision presented itself,” King noted, “with such a great group of people here, I felt like we could keep it going for a long time.” He continued, “This is my home.” Aaron is the third generation of the King family to run or own SkyLanes.
SkyLanes opened in 1957 with Aaron’s grandfather, Huber King at the helm. Aaron’s father, Cal, owned it through the 90s, with Aaron beginning his tenure in 2006. A self-described ‘jack-of-all-trades’, King deftly manages the four businesses that comprise Sky Lanes – Sky Lounge, Café, bowling alley, and drive-thru. “I really like the challenge,” he explained. He credits longtime owner/manager Don Laubert and the late Bill White with helping him learn to manage the businesses. He explained, “Bill offered great advice whenever I needed it.”
It seems Sky Lanes is in his blood. Case in point, in the middle of discussing the history of this local business, with his back to the lanes, King excused himself to sort out an issue before bowlers could even alert him to the problem. When he returned, he shrugged it off, saying, “If I hear a pin fall a certain way, I know there’s a jam in the back.”
King shared one major highlight while he’s been at the helm of the long-time business. In 2015, breaking the World Record with a Queen of Hearts drawing that earned an incredible $3.3 million jackpot. “Wherever I go, I run into someone who played that game,” King noted. Sky Lanes continues to host Queen of Hearts drawings each month, the next drawing takes place on February 5th.
“I have to admit, for a guy that runs a bowling alley, I’m a terrible bowler,” he shared. “It’s something my teammates often point out.” He continued, explaining that since he allocates much of his time to keeping things running smoothly, he’s got little time left to practice.
Speaking of practice, Sky Lanes serves as the home of three high school bowling teams: James A. Garfield, Crestwood, and Southington. They also host many bowling leagues as well as scotch doubles fundraisers for local organizations. “Sky Lanes is a great place for group gatherings, scouting events, 4H activities, or birthday parties. “We host around 100 parties each year because it’s a great deal – parents can leave the mess with us.”
Sky Lanes Lounge hosts live sports betting while the Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving as the chosen breakfast place of countless regulars. The drive-thru is a great place for all your party needs, with ice, beer, pop, cigarettes and lottery tickets. “Why stand in line when you can stay in your car and get everything you need?”
King has been running Sky Lanes for 17 years, recently purchasing the business to continue the tradition of offering an affordable family night out. With bumper bowling for young kids, cosmic bowling for teens, and the Sky Lounge with drink specials and live music for an evening out with friends, there’s something for everyone at 8311 Windham Street.
