New Bowling Alley Will Open By Late July, Early August

Workmen are busy at the site of the new All Star Lanes Bowling Alley on Route 58 in Riverhead -- and are on schedule for a summer opening.

On Friday, co-owner Chris Smith, who was on-site supervising workmen that were busy both inside and out, said while there is no firm opening date yet, he believes the bowling alley will be ready for business by late July or early August.

Smith said he is "thrilled" at the prospect of opening day.

A sign outside said the business is hiring for all positions, including barbacks, bartenders, security, servers, kitchen staff, arcade desk, and porters. Applicants are asked to go inside and inquire about available positions.

The news comes after months of waiting by an eager community who have long expressed excitement about a new bowling alley in town.

A few months ago, Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter predicted the  sometime during the summer season.

Originally, developer Joe Albanese planned to open Bowl 58 at the location, but although he got the green light for tax abatements and a certificate of occupancy, plans were scrapped and the 

Businessmen Jeffrey Rimland and Smith, Walter said, who now own the building, told him that plans were moving forward, with a goal to open the doors of the bowling alley in time for the summer season.

In February, the  request for tax abatements to move forward with developing the parcel.

At the time, Riverhead School Board President Ann Cotton-DeGrasse spoke out against the tax abatement at a public hearing, even getting down one one knee and Tebowing to make her point -- that the district is struggling and tax abatements should not be granted to local businesses.

And, Walter said, even more new businesses planning to open in Riverhead soon: "There are more coming," he said.