Lucky Strike to offer more than just bowling at Ala Moana
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Lucky Strike Social opens Aug. 4 at Ala Moana Center in the old Shirokiya space. General manager Michael Smith stands on one of the lanes in an upper level “bowling suite” at the entertainment venue. Lucky Strike offers a full restaurant and live music venue along with video games and bowling.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Lucky Strike employee Ron Martin poses for a photo with a coin pusher game featuring Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The unit is currently the only one available in North America. Lucky Strike Social opens Aug. 4 at Ala Moana Center in the old Shirokiya space.
When Lucky Strike Social celebrates its grand opening on Aug. 4, Oahu residents will have a new entertainment option that should appeal to the entire family.
Early buzz came from the pronouncement that bowling would indeed be offered in Honolulu, just as it has been at nearly 20 other Lucky Strike locations across the United States since Lucky Strike Entertainment founders Steven and Gillian Foster and Kevin Troy opened their first location in Hollywood in 2003.
But a tour last week of the 25,000-square-foot space on two levels at Ala Moana Center made it clear there is much more to do at Lucky Strike than just bowling. Along with four lanes, upstairs features a VIP area for private parties, full service bar and performance stage that’s expected to host both local bands and national touring acts.
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 retail storefront where electronic prize tickets can be redeemed for one of more than 250 different prizes.
“We have a mix of traditional video games, novelty fun play games and prize reward redemption games,” Lucky Strike Social national games and redemption manager Jim Bennington explained. “We offer competitive and cooperative play experiences, something that our guests can’t get at home.”
“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,” Lucky Strike Honolulu general manager Michael Smith continued. “Or you can come in and enjoy our lounge on a Saturday night with live music.
“It’s not just about one thing here. 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.”
Lucky Strike Social will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily; all minors must be accompanied by an adult, and you must be 21 or older to remain on the upper level after 9 p.m. Call 664-1140 or visit luckystrikesocial.com/honolulu.
Jason Genegabus has written about the local bar and drink scenes since 2001. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram or email jason@staradvertiser.com.
