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A & E's Save It for Sell It Upgrades South Texas Bowling Center

In December 2017, Rex’s Texas Lanes (formerly Academy Lanes) in Brownwood, Texas was featured on national TV on the A&E pilot episode of “Save It or Sell It.” The show continues to air on the network.

“Having bowling – particularly one of our member bowling centers – featured on nationally broadcast TV programs drive tremendous top-of-mind awareness,” said Strike Ten President John Harbuck. “Not only does it help the center, but, overall, it reminds people everywhere to go bowling.”

Before & After - Approach Area

Approach After Image

Show hosts Eric Casahuri and Robert Hirsch approached brothers Lee and Ray Baird about making upgrades to the center in order to either drive more business or make it appealing to potential new owners.

In one 48-hour period, workers transformed the 12-lane center with new lights, paint and the addition of a much-needed snack bar. The show added new masking units, games for the entertainment area and updated tables and chairs. And, they changed the name to Rex’s Texas Lanes to give it a more “homey” feel.

Before & After - Snack Bar

The show transformed a little used arcade area into a revenue-generating snack bar.

Snack Before Image

Snack Bar After Image

The results have been very positive. According to Lee, the changes and subsequent national TV airings have driven open play significantly. “This really woke up our community and reminded them we were here,” he said. “The center has always been profitable but this has been a big help.”

New Entrance and Exterior Paint

New Entrance

New Exterior Paint

The premise of “Save It or Sell It” is for the show to work with a family-owned business that is considering putting it on the market. The show then works with family members to determine whether or not to sell and how to make improvements regardless.

Lee and Ray, after a combined 52 years in the bowling business, are still considering selling their center as each have additional responsibilities on cattle farms they own. However, given the bump provided by their national exposure, they just might not be ready to move onto greener pastures just yet.

For more information on “Save It or Sell It,” visit http://www.aetv.com/shows/save-it-or-sell-it.

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