Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bowling For Brews
Historic UARK Bowl becomes ‘sporting lounge’
There have been times when, despite our best efforts, some buddies and I end up with zilch to do on a Friday or Saturday night.
Often, those evenings have been salvaged with a single, Lebowski-esque declaration.
Forget it, dude, let’s go bowling. OK, that’s well and good — but what if that itch to make it to Dickson Street still needs to be scratched?
Well, soon, you can get the best of both worlds in downtown Fayetteville — bowling and classy cocktails — at The Leroy Pinhouse and Sporting Lounge (pronounced La-ROY).
After recently announcing that the iconic UARK Bowl on Dickson Street would become the region’s most uncommon restaurant and bar, the owners have now let out more details in a press release.
The announcement promises a small, yet unique, menu created by a collaboration between a highly regarded California chef and local award-winning chef Rob Nelson (Tusk & Trotter), bespoke cocktails, four regulation-length duckpin bowling lanes and two Full Swing sports simulators.
Guests can also enjoy big screen sports viewing throughout, a competition dart arena, two AV lounges with 138-inch HD TVs and even video games, according to the release.
But why is duckpin bowling a more casual, appealing entertainment option for Fayetteville’s bar scene?
For starters, you get to keep your own comfy kicks on instead of cautiously dipping your feet into the abyss of shoes worn by thousands before you. (I don’t care how much of that “cleansing” product they spray down in there, it’s still unsettling!) Duckpin bowling is also a faster, more socially focused game where the rounds move much more quickly than on traditional bowling lanes, making it a more laid-back and social experience.
Although, I’m sure there will still be that one person who is nowhere to be found as soon as their turn comes up — there’s always one!
The ownership group of the Leroy consists of Fayetteville developers Ted Belden, Todd Ross and a third partner with a historic attachment to the city, the release states.
“It’s quite a new concept, one that we feel will be quickly adopted by people looking for an elevated entertainment experience,” Belden said. “Actually, most of the design, menu and gaming ideas came from our third partner.”
So, what’s the deal with this mysterious third partner?
“His name is indeed Leroy (pronounced LEE-roy), a Fayetteville native whose last name we’ve promised not to reveal. He left here long ago, made quite a fortune in all sorts of off-the-wall ventures, and now just sort of travels the world living the good life,” Belden explained.
Ross said Leroy approached them with the idea a few years ago.
“He’s been very persuasive about opening a unique lounge here. And he’s been exceptionally particular about every aspect of the place that will bear his name, so we took some time to get it right,” Ross disclosed. “The UARK Bowl was a good fit but had to be completely remodeled to showcase his vision.”
The Leroy is scheduled for a public opening in late May, according to the press release. Keep an eye on their social media for updates in the coming days.
Home Brew Showcase
Downtown Siloam Springs will host the 2024 Home Brew Showcase from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday in the Arvest parking lot at 110 W. Ashley St., according to a Facebook post by the event.
There will be more than
20 beers and ciders to taste, plus eventgoers receive a free commemorative glass, the post states.
Tickets, which can be purchased online or at the gate, run from $35 to $55.
Art of Wine
Early Bird and Reserve Room tickets and All-Access Packages are now on sale for the Walton Arts Center’s annual Art of Wine, according to a press release.
The event consists of an evening of wine and food sampling from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. July 12, the release states.
“For 22 years, Walton Arts Center’s Art of Wine fundraiser is a favorite of both Arkansans and visitors from across the country,” the release says. “Indulge in hundreds of wines, sample the flavors of area restaurants, and enjoy local entertainment as you toast to arts education!”
Tickets can be purchased online at the Art of Wine Festival event website, in person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office or by calling 443-5600. You must be 21 or older to purchase tickets.
Proceeds from the Art of Wine Festival support Walton Arts Center, a nonprofit arts presenting organization serving the region for three decades, the release states.
We’ll be back soon with more restaurant news across Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Email your news to bcollins@nwaonline.com.