Ritzville bowling alley to close if new owner isn't found

The Big Bend Bowling Alley in Ritzville will close in a few months if a new owner can't be found, owner Todd Young told The Journal last week.

"I don't think I can keep the doors open past November or December," Young said.

Young, who still owns a carpet store in North Carolina, moved to Ritzville from North Carolina in 2017 and bought the alley in December of that year. Since then, business has dropped while his attention has been forced elsewhere.

"My father back in North Carolina is in bad shape. I don't know how much longer he is going to live," Young said. "I need to get back there to see him. I also need to take care of the carpet store I have back there that I've had for 30 years."

Young said he is likely going to be moving away from Ritzville soon. However, he says he loves the city and really wants to find a local person to take over the alley.

"I do not want to close the doors to this place." Young said. "The kids need something. That was my favorite part of having this place. Watching kids come here and smile ... I've met a lot of good people here. I didn't expect this. I bought a house here and I expected to spend the rest of my life here. I didn't expect this at all."

Young said he put in $50,000 of his own money for upgrades to the alley, including new carpeting, new game tables and several upgrades to the bar. He said the business grossed about $145,000 in his first year, but that the number dropped in his second year. He is asking $225,000 for the alley.

"I started off at $300,000 and came down to $250,000," Young said. "But right now, if someone came and offered $225,000, I would take it."

Young asked that anyone who is interested in purchasing the alley to call him at 704-232-1123 for more information. While he would prefer a buyer to secure a loan through a bank, he said if need be, he would be willing to discuss financing the loan himself with a decent down payment.