NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — A North Olmsted staple is here to stay, thanks to community support.
Buckeye Lanes has been on Lorain Avenue since 1958.
“It’s time for us to kind of get out of the house, time for ourselves, with our friends, which is always kind of a fun deal (Yeah). We’ve enjoyed our time here, yeah," said bowlers Mike and Laura McClain.
But the pandemic hit and the doors closed for a time last year.
Jim Sutherland, one of the owners, said offers for the place came in and with only a little money coming in, they had to consider. But word got around and the bowling center's fans didn't want them to go.
“It was clear they all love having, I mean, the community as a whole loves having Buckeye Lanes here, ya know," Sutherland said.
Even with the overwhelming struggles, the community support helped ensure the bowling alley was here to stay.
“You can tell, they’re thankful, they’re very thankful they’re able to come in and do their thing, cuz they love it," Sutherland said.
“And now our 4-year old son can grow up here and bowl where his parents and grandparents and uncles and aunts used to bowl, too… so it’s fun… it’s exciting," the McClain's said.
