A longview of the 50 Ultra-Modern Bowling Lanes at Mario s Bowling and Entertainment Palace.

Published On:Wednesday, March 03, 2010

By REUBEN SHEARER

Tribune Features Reporter

rshearer@tribunemedia.net

WHEN Yasmine Johnson and Greg Wilkinson step into the lobby of their workplace each morning, they often consider how they can take Mario's Entertainment and Bowling Palace to the next level, maintaining its wow factor and cutting edge appeal.

The $10 million bowling facility, next to Robin Hood in the Summer Winds Plaza, is an entertainment centre catering to toddlers, teenyboppers, grownups, church goers and senior citizens, that stirs up the feeling of being in a Las Vegas hotel, Chuck E' Cheese, and Dave & Busters all at once.

To have a facility of its kind, on par with similar ones in the United States is "phenomenal," a representative from the American Bowling Association told executives of Mario's Bowling last month.

Mario's exceeded this man's expectations, as he said it had "enough value to surpass most of its world class counterparts in elegance and appearance."

To Yasmine Johnson, daughter of Leslie Miller, and director of marketing and public relations, this is good news, and enough reason why "we should be able to take it to another level."

And the brainchild behind the design for the entertainment facility agrees. Greg Wilkinson said,"We wanted to create an environment where people know that they are coming to a nice place. People are controlled in the environment that they are placed in."

A panoramic view of Mario's Bowling and Entertainment Palace at the entrance is enough to take your breath away. The colors are intentionally calming and soothing to the mind, said Mr Wilkinson. It represents something of an art deco feel, very modern and posh.

US Bowling who designs the lanes for the Lucky Strike Lanes franchise in the United States outfitted Mario's main attraction, 50 bowling lanes. There are 26 lanes on one side, and 24 on the other.

In addition to bowling, children man the machines with access to over 100 arcade games to choose from, as well as Nintendo Wii, PS3 and X-Box 360 favourites.

There are also a number of meeting rooms already utilised by many civic groups.

"At night, we sometimes have cosmic bowling where the whole facility is dark and we have a light show," said Mrs Johnson.

Even Sir Sidney Poitier, a Bahamian screen legend, has a VIP room befitting his name. It is equipped with four lanes for persons who want that private bowling experience, with a capacity of 30 persons. Prices start at $1500 for two hours and each additional hour is $500.

This package includes full access to a waiter, bartender, and a special buffet.

The menu includes buffalo wings, grouper fingers, conch fritters, spring rolls, fruit and vegetables platters, cheese platters and a choice of two beverages, all topped off with a house wine of your choice.

Private and upscale events are hosted inside the VIP room at least 3 times a week and the Academy Award-winning actor will be the guest of honour at Mario's grand opening next month.

Membership packages for the VIP room are stacked with freebies, like the platinum package which not only gives you use of the VIP room, but also the upscale Elements Ultra Lounge, packages are between $800 and $5000.

Countless other local legends can be found on "The Wall-Those Who Made A Difference," in black and white framed photos.

After the exertion of a few bowling games, relax in Mario's electronic massage chairs made available to soothe tired athletes with assistance from a therapist.

And if you wish to let off some steam, there is a 150 person capacity nightclub upstairs with VIP private rooms for hire and waiting service provided.

"The nightclub is very upscale, and the whole design concept is for the mature customer that wants to go out in an elegant environment," says Mr Wilkinson.

Elements Lounge and Nightclub is outfitted with higher end sound proof rooms where persons can sit in a private dining room overlooking the facility.

Fridays, and Saturdays tend to be booked solid by both Bahamians and visitors (thanks to aggressive marketing by the Ministry of Tourism).

Mario's Signature Pro shop offers personal customised bowling balls and shoes.

The ice cream parlour, sub sandwich parlour, and concession stand will open in a matter of days. A food court which can hold up to 250 persons features Tuscanos and Noble Romans which offers gourmet pizzas and signature sandwiches.

Mrs Johnson said that Mario's provides the ideal venue for families because, " there's nowhere an adult can go at night and take their kids other than at Atlantis or the Marina Village."

That's the premise that they built the facility on.

"At Mario's, your kids can bowl, be taught how to bowl, enjoy our video arcade, and you can enjoy a nightclub, a restaurant and just sit back, relax, and lounge while the kids have fun."

There are lane side coordinators that teach can teach you to bowl for at no cost. There's also a handicap ramp where handicapped persons can bowl themselves. There is also a skating rink.

"Mario's Bowling and Entertainment Palace offers group packages, at different prices, but are not limited to set prices," said Mrs Johnson.

"We have birthday packages, and school packages, just call us and we will fit your budget."

"Whatever you want, we can make it happen. Nobody gets turned away at Mario's," she said. "We try to accommodate everyone as best as we can."

Rounding off their steady weekend flow, Sundays will draw an even bigger crowd, and offer a special buffet, $25 for adults and $15 for kids, which includes bowling games.

At Mario's, security is very important with a strong security and police presence on the weekends. Security is at the door, metal detectors are always active, and other measures are taken to ensure the full safety of the building.

Mrs Johnson emphasised the importance of there being no swearing and fighting on the premises.

"We have no problems asking you to leave," she said, explaining their 3 strike policy which eventually leads to the dismissal or permanent banning of people who distrub the peace from Mario's.

"We will not tolerate anything negative in Mario's. We will not deal with any vulgar behaviour or anything, as we have no tolerance period."

Leslie Miller, former PLP MP set about building one of the largest ten-pin bowling facilities in the world and the only one in the Bahamas after his son's death in 2002. Mario's Entertainment and Bowling Palace has created 72 jobs so far. The Miller family, including the other siblings Leslia Miller and Montgomery Ferguson, hopes that its efficient serving staff and clean facilities will keep it on the cutting edge.