That’s How We Roll
This month’s feature hardly needs an introduction, because this local business has been right up everyone’s alley for almost six decades!
Owner Dave Fischer (right) with a league participant.
From childhood to adulthood, change is inevitable. We change, our jobs change, families change…but one thing that you can usually rely on to stay the same is the enjoyment of a popular pastime. Sims Bowling Lanes has been one of those constants for Beaver Falls and the surrounding areas for years and continues to do so every day.
Located on Big Beaver Boulevard, Sims is a 40-lane center, completed with a bar & lounge, as well as a concession area. Originally started by Alex and Mike Szimkanich in 1959, the bowling alley originally had just TEN lanes! Current Owner & Operator, Dave Fischer, takes great pride in the “getaway” that Sims has evolved into.
I want us to become a bigger center for our communities – a place for all to come, have fun, and enjoy time away from what’s going on in life.
Dave grew up in Bellevue, graduating from Northgate High School. From there, he attended La Roche College in North Hills and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Administration and Management. Before Sims came along, he was a Funeral Director for Orion C. Pinkerton Funeral Home, Inc. in Avalon, PA.
Aside from the fun factor, Dave recognizes that bowling can be a healthy activity for people to participate in. And if bowling might not be your thing, you can still sit back, relax, and cheer on your friends and family with a beverage from the bar (if you’re of age, of course).
Sims Front Desk (top left) and Concession Area (top right). Adult bowlers and spectators also have access to the bar to enjoy, located inside (bottom).
If there is a lucky number for Sims, right now it is 17 – Dave has been running the establishment for 17 years and counting. He also has 17 people on his team, hoping to only add to this number as Sims continues to grow.
Have Talent To Spare?
Signs By Sam Manager, Chris McNamara (center) and Signs By Sam Owner, Eric Venezie (far right) who have bowled seasonally in a men’s civic league at Sims Lanes.
Whether you are looking to enter some friendly (or perhaps serious) competitions or just simply participate in a fundraiser for a good cause, look no further. Sims actively holds events every season. These include:
Special Olympic
Buddy Bowl
USX FCU Fundraiser
MAC Tournaments
AMCC Women’s Collegiate Bowling Tournament
Pepsi State Youth Tournament
Sim’s played a big role in the future of Rebecca Fischer, daughter of Owner Dave Fischer.
The bowling alley also holds daily 2-hour bowling specials and 3-hour Cosmic Bowling every other Saturday night! Get your group together!
Fun Facts
Sims is a prime spot for memories of all kinds. If you were a child growing up in the area, Sims was likely part of the weekend plans. For Dave’s daughter, Rebecca, the bowling alley became more than a place to hang out; because of the exposure to the lanes over the years, she earned a bowling scholarship to Fairleigh Dickinson University! Never underestimate the saying “practice makes perfect!”
For Dave, the lanes have been a place to meet some pretty incredible people. Here, he has had the opportunity to meet Rocky Bleier, Sid Bream, and Donnie Iris!
One of the best experiences of owning Sims, for Dave, has been getting to know everybody that walks through the doors and seeing the friendships that happen as a result. With our own Signs By Sam team actively involved with the lanes, on both a personal and professional level, we undoubtedly agree. It never gets old to see everybody come together on a weekend or weeknight and enjoy the company of those around…because that’s how we roll.
Sims Bowling Lanes
7245 Big Beaver Boulevard
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
(724) 843-9601
Hours
Mon: 11am – 9pm
Tues: 11am – 11pm
Wed: 11am – 11pm
Thurs: 11am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 12am
Sat: 9am – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 9pm
*Closing times subject to change
