It’s been almost 60 years since Rancho Bowl first opened its doors in Santa Maria. A lot can change in that time, but not the family that owns it.
Ashlee Carranza found her way into the bowling business when she married her partner, Luke, whose family has owned the establishment since the beginning.
“We have two employees that have worked here for 32 years, so they remember my husband growing up here,” she told the Sun.
Back then the alley had a day care, but the smoke that filled building may not have been up to snuff by modern standards for kids. Rancho Bowl has undergone many remodels since, the most recent in 2012 and 2014, when the Carranzas replaced the bar and the bowling system and all of its 32 lanes. The new lanes offer means for users to share their scores, photos, and post on social media.
There’s also the revamped arcade, which now hosts 35 new games, up from the previous 12. The newest additions include popular console games like Mario Kart. Business is good, according to Carranza, and she said she hoped the arcade remodel attracts more customers.
In the meantime, Rancho Bowl is currently offering free bowling to all kids age 15 and under. “That’s two free games, every day during the summer,” she added.
The deal ends once school starts back up.
For the older crowd and those interested in a little nightlife action, Rancho Bowl hosts live DJs six nights a week. The music usually lasts until midnight or close, Carranza said. Meanwhile, the in-house restaurant stays open until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and closes at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The bar is open until 2 a.m. every night.
Thus far, Ashlee said, the alleys have not been graced with the Big Lebowski or “The Dude” impersonators, but she wasn’t ruling out a themed event in the future.
“I never thought I would own a bowling alley, but it’s been a great experience,” she said. “It’s a fun industry: My husband and I travel all over the country to different seminars and expos. We’ve met a lot of cool people. I don’t know that I would change it, it’s been a fun industry and every day we come in to work and people are having fun.”
Highlights:
• Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department will host a rededication and reopening of Buena Vista Park at 800 S. Pine St. on Aug. 11 at 11:30 a.m. Free food and drinks will be offered from noon to 2 p.m. while supplies last. Buena Vista Park is the city’s first community park, according to city officials. It was dedicated in 1906 with the help of the Ladies Literary Society, now known as the Minerva Club. The park was last renovated in 1994 with modest improvements only to “keep the park functional for the neighborhood.” The current renovations began in September 2016 and focused on a “modern design while honoring the park’s historical significance.”
• At least two commercial cannabis licenses were granted in Lompoc between July 13 and July 16, according to a city spokesperson. Both businesses, once opened, will allow on-site consumption.
• The Lompoc Valley Historical Society will host an open house on July 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free but donations are welcome. The historical society is located at 207 N. L St. Visit lompochistory.org for more information.
Staff Writer Spencer Cole wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, mail, or email at spotlight@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jul 26 – Aug 2, 2018.