Salem Bowl is reopening this week after being closed two and a half months for cleanup from an electrical fire.
Owner Steve Ludwig says after a lot of frustrations and delays he’s happy to be getting back into operation.
“We kept pushing the date back, because it was hard to be able to get the insurance companies and things we had to deal with, with a fire,” Ludwig said. “When we were finally able to get going, we had to remove all the ceiling tiles, anything with a soft surface that would retain smoke, all insulation. We’ve worked really hard, and it’s got all new fixtures and everything, new air conditioning, new ceiling tiles and new insulation. We’re excited to get back open, and hopefully this week we can get back open for our league bowlers, and next week at the end of the week open for our open play bowlers.”
Ludwig says it isn’t too late to sign up for leagues. He’s also excited to begin working once again with the high school bowlers.
Ludwig reports community support has been amazing.
“Unbelievable amount of community support. Every time I’m out, everyone was asking and wondering when we would get re-opened and offering if there was anything they could do. So many people said they would come in and help and do different things. People were bringing me food, and I had a lot of my bowlers coming in, doing some things and helping us out.”
Ludwig is also appreciative of other bowling alleys, especially NuBowl in Mt. Vernon, for taking in his bowlers until he could get back open.
Ludwig says the lounge is being completely rebuilt.
“We’re hoping in about three weeks or towards the end of November, we’ll be able to re-open in there. We’ll let that wear out and hopefully everyone will come in there and see what we’ve done. We’re excited about some changes we’ve made in there.”
The fire began in the electrical system on the outside wall of the bar. Fortunately, firemen were able to stop it quickly in the wall, but that area received substantial smoke damage. Ludwig commended firemen for the quick response and knockdown, noting the end result would have been much different if the fire had gotten into the attic.
