Levittown Lanes Owner Watched As Business Burned, Recalls Good Times

Levittown Lanes has been part of the community since the early 1950s, and Al Episcopo has been involved for most of its existence.

As firefighters put down hot spots in the burnt shell of Levittown Lanes and pulled out some of the memorabilia they could salvage Wednesday, Episcopo looked on. The longtime owner, who runs the business with his son Mike, reminisced on the business and the role it has had in his life.

Episcopo ran the bar starting in 1962 and purchased the entire business in 1981.

“It’s been here a long time,” he said. “I’ve watched a lot of people grow up here.”

The bowling alley opened in the 1950s, around the same time as Levittown was being built, and has been a staple ever since. It has been a watering hole for many, a gathering point for bowling leagues, and hosted a countless numbers of kids’ birthday parties.

Episcopo said it was too early to know if his family will rebuild the 18-lane facility, but he was grateful for the efforts of firefighters and family, friends, and customers who showed their support after the bowling alley along New Falls Road burnt down in a fast-moving early-morning fire.

“This is a sad day for Lower Bucks County bowling. Our thoughts are with Al, Mike, the Staff, and the bowlers of Levittown Lanes,” David M. Strippoli, the president of Penndel Bowling Center, said in a statement.

Strippoli offered leagues the chance to finish their season at his facility and provide the linage fees to Levittown Lanes.

The Falls Township Fire Marshal’s Office, with assistance from police and other agencies, are investigating the cause of the massive blaze.

Episcopo said his son called him around 5:30 a.m. to let him know the building was on fire.

At first, Episcopo thought the fire was something small, possibly in the kitchen.

Episcopo arrived on the scene to see the large flames and firefighters from across Lower Bucks County pouring onto the scene.

Debbie Kalbach, who owned nearby Jo Jo’s Ice Cream for years, looked in shock as she saw firefighters working on the blaze.

“It has been here as long as I have. I can’t believe it,” she said of the fire.

Scott and Krystel Adams stood by as crews doused the flames.

The couple shared many dates at the bowling alley where Krystel worked at times when she was younger. The two became engaged on the property, the site of their first kiss.

“I pretty much grew up here,” said Krystel, who mother is the longtime manager.

Just hours prior, the Adams family was at the bowling alley with their 9-year-old son, an avid bowler himself.

“It’s depressing to see. It’s disheartening,” Scott said.

Scott worried about how he would break the news to his son.

Dan Nuski, a employee of the business since 1985, was moved as he watched the building, a second home of sorts, burn.

“And like that its gone,” he said.

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