Penndel Bowling Center Sold To New Owner

The Penndel Bowling Center. Credit: Google Maps

The Penndel Bowling Center is set to change hands next Wednesday after nearly two decades under the same ownership.

David M. Strippoli, president of the Penndel Borough-based bowling alley, announced his retirement and the upcoming transfer of ownership. He didn’t announce who the new owner is or disclose transaction details.

For Strippoli, the sale of the business marks the end of an era that spanned over two decades at Penndel Bowling Center on West Lincoln Highway and an additional 25 years at his family’s center.

Strippoli expressed his appreciation to the center’s loyal customers, league bowlers, and both past and present staff for their dedication and support throughout the years.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to the staff here (past & present) for holding things together all these years. Most importantly, I want to thank my family for their support. I regret that there were far too many instances where I was forced to put the business before them,” he said in a letter to customers.

In an age with fewer and fewer bowling alleys, Penndel Bowling Center has been a staple in the community since its opening in 1963.

A special acknowledgment was given to Shirley North, a member of the Penndel Bowling Center team since its inception. Described by Strippoli as a “goodwill ambassador,” North’s contributions were highlighted as instrumental to the center’s success.

Penndel Bowling Center doesn’t just include the lanes, it also has the Penny Lanes Pub that serves food, soda, beer, and cocktails.

Last year, an online posting for the business quickly spread around social media. It listed the 24-lane bowling alley for sale for $1.8 million and listed that it made $1.2 million in gross revenue in 2022.

Strippoli and a business partner purchased the center in 2004 from previous owners William and Natalie Saunders.

As Strippoli prepares to step down, he expressed confidence in the new management team.