Naming sponsor Jeff Kremer, from Kremer Roofing in Versailles, strung together a bunch of strikes for the benefit of the professionals on Pro-Am night. (Press Pros Feature Photos)
Seven years after purchasing Community Lanes, and a of greenbacks later, Doug and Lori Davidson’s decision and added touch has made Community Lanes a community blessing -“a place to feel better on your toughest day.”
Minster, OH – The smile on Doug Davidson’s face was unmistakable – genuine.
Nearly 300 people had shown up for Friday night’s community Pro-Am bowling event at Community Lanes, and after months, and weeks, and days of details Davidson at last could let down his concern for things overlooked and just smile – enjoy the moment.
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And on top of it, 6-month-old grandson Tucker was there to lend what grandbabies lend to any occasion – wiggles and smiles and burps. The son of daughter-in-law Erika and son Michael, he represents that for which families with vision work for…the future.
Publisher Sonny Fulks writes OHSAA and Ohio State sports for Press Pros Magazine.com.
This weekend marks the 6th annual Kremer Roofing Classic, a regional Professional Bowlers Association event and another manifestation of the Davidson’s vision for the Minster community when they bought Community Lanes in 2019 – a place to gather, greet, eat, and have fun.
“I’ve done a few of these things over the years,” said long-time professional bowler Ronnie Russell, of nearby Noblesville, Indiana. “But look at these people. They’re having fun. This is fun.
“The new video boards are unreal. The atmosphere is tremendous. This place is right there with Coldwater as a tournament that you want to make. Maybe not as hard as Coldwater, but that’s OK, too. Everyone is having a good time.”
When Doug and Lori Davidson bought the flagging bowling center in 2019 there was plenty of vision on his part, but nothing in terms of a sure bet. The trick to buying a bowling alley is how to make it a bowling ‘center’, the preferred term for the transition from what you remember in the 60s and what the modern, successful image has become for the Gen Z culture. It has to be an attractant, a place where people want to be – a place where people feel at home.
“It’s been worth every penny, and every one of those seven and a half years,” said Davidson Friday. “When we set out to turn this into a complete entertainment facility that was the business plan. To provide not only bowling, but great food, great music, and a great place to host events. We wanted it to be a fun atmosphere for all ages. We’ve done it all, and then some, to support the community and the surrounding areas. And we couldn’t have done it without the support of everyone, and look around. That’s what you’re seeing here tonight.”
“The business plan was to provide not only bowling, but great food, great music, and a great place to host events. We wanted it to be a fun atmosphere for all ages.” – Doug Davidson
There’s always been bowling in Minster, as well as some very good bowlers. Case in point, the naming sponsor of the Kremer Roofing Classic, Jeff Kremer, went head to head with participating professionals Friday by stringing together eight consecutive strikes, and not unusual. Kremer has authored multiple perfect games over the years, testament to his ability as a league bowler.
“First time I’ve picked up a ball since April,” he winked, like the consummate shark.
Doubts? Trepidations? Every venture has its risks. Is it going to work out?
“No question,” smiles Davidson, himself a former competing PBA pro before turning to selling bowling balls instead of throwing them. He’s owned and operated the Bowlerstore.com business on Kley Road for years, on the east edge of Versailles.
“There’ve been many times when I haven’t slept at night. But that was when we first bought it, the night we had the logo ‘reveal’, and I saw how many people came out that night, May 3, 2019. There were 350, maybe 400 people in here and my first thought was, “Well, I think they like it, but damn…I’d better put my money where my mouth is. I don’t know exactly how many sleepless nights, but there have been a lot.”
But, ask around the community and you take heart at the number of people who wish nothing but success to the Davidsons and their commitment not only to their own future, but their investment in the future of the Minster community. Short of a couple of Sominex before bed, there’s nothing more soothing than to know that your neighbors are in your corner.
“It does make you feel good,” Davidson smiles. “It’s been a dream of mine and Lori’s for a long time, and she’s always supported me. And when you have the support of your family, community, and all those people wishing you well…it’s pretty hard not to get out of bed in the morning and have a good day at work.”
And in the case of the Kremer Roofing Pro-Am Friday night, a good night at work, as well. Satisfaction trumps fatigue every time – people having fun, trusting that your dream is their blessing.
Mark Twain famously said, “If you enjoy what you’re doing you never work a day in your life. Twain probably stole that from the Chinese philosopher Confucius, who was known for his fondness of billiard halls and hanging out with Carmen Salvino.
Doug Davidson just had a hunch…and Lori!
Community Lanes sponsors your favorite area sports on Press Pros. We’re so much more than a bowling center. Visit us soon.