Lucky Strike offers more than bowling at Ala Moana

A major game and entertainment center is breaking into the Honolulu scene with Friday’s grand opening of Lucky Strike Social at Ala Moana Center, with bowling, arcade games, live music and other activities to appeal to everyone from families to the late-night crowd.

Early buzz came from the announcement that bowling would indeed be offered at the venue, just as it is at nearly 20 other Lucky Strike locations across the United States. The Hawaii location, which took over the former Shirokiya department store space at the Diamond Head end of the mall, is part of Lucky Strike Entertainment, founded by Steven and Gillian Foster and Kevin Troy, who opened their first location in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles in 2003.

Although bowling is a major talking point, a tour last week of the 25,000-square-foot space on two levels made it clear there is much more to do at Lucky Strike than that. Along with four lanes, the upstairs area features a VIP area for private parties, a full-service bar and a performance stage that’s expected to host both local bands and national touring acts.

Take note: After 9 p.m., the upper level is restricted to patrons age 21 or older.

Downstairs is all about video games and food, with more than 125 machines located adjacent to a complete gastropub experience that combines dishes inspired by Latin and Asian flavors with a 60-foot, industrial-style bar and 250-square-foot HD video wall.

Customers can also visit FTW (For the Win), Lucky Strike’s in-house store where electronic prize tickets can be redeemed for more than 250 different prizes.

“We have a mix of traditional video games, novelty fun play games and prize-reward redemption games,” said Jim Bennington, Lucky Strike Social national games and redemption manager. “We offer competitive and cooperative play experiences, something that our guests can’t get at home.”

Lucky Strike Honolulu General Manager Michael Smith highlighted the made-from-scratch food and beverage aspects.

“You get to come in and do that, yes, but you’re also going to be turned on to a craft cocktail or something amazing off the menu,” he said. “Or you can come in and enjoy our lounge on a Saturday night with live music.”

Lucky Strike’s food program is headed by celebrity chef and Hawaii native Rodelio Aglibot. Promised are a poke bar, loco mocos, barbecue chicken, kalbi beef and other island favorites along with the chain’s burgers, hand-battered corn dogs, pizza and other dishes.

“It’s not just about one thing here,” Smith said. “Even if you’re just a bowling fan or a gaming fan, or just love live music, we want to provide a social environment for our customers.”