Bowling Center to Become Expanded Entertainment Destination

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) this month approved an agreement for the sale and land-lease of a 2.9-acre parcel in Eatontown, including the Bowling Center, a 17,599-square-foot structure, and Building 682, a 4,270-square-foot wood-frame building built in 1941. Building 682 will be demolished by the purchaser to accommodate the proposed large-scale renovation and expansion of the original Bowling Center—adding approximately 10,000 square feet to the original building.

The prospective buyer, Fort Monmouth B.E.C., LLC, is owned by Keith Dougherty, who also owns Circle Bowl & Entertainment in Roxbury, New Jersey. It is affiliated with Holiday Bowl located in Oakland, New Jersey.  The Dougherty family has been in the bowling business since 1959.  Circle Lanes was completely renovated in 2015 and is a successful entertainment venue, with 25 lanes for bowling, an arcade, laser tag, a restaurant and a bar.

Dougherty plans to reimagine this concept at Fort Monmouth, by renovating the original Bowling Center to create an exciting entertainment hub featuring 20 renovated lanes, a full kitchen, sports bar lounge, arcade game room, two-story laser tag arena, and an outdoor beer garden with a fire pit and bocce courts.

“The renovation and expansion of the Bowling Center will bring a new amenity to the Fort for visitors, residents and workers,” said FMERA Director of Real Estate Dave Nuse. “The proposed plan for a vibrant, upscale entertainment destination coincides with our vision for developing a thriving live-work-play environment.”

Note: FMERA Board action is subject to a ten (10) day veto period by the Governor.