When Larry and Sherree Richet purchased the Bowling Alley in 100 Mile House on June 24, they knew they had heavy duty renovation project in front of them.
The building needed a tremendous amount of work inside and outside.
Undaunted, they rolled up sleeves and got down to business.
Larry says they had to get rid of all the carpets, tiles and flooring.
"Basically, we had to renovate the whole front to make it look really nice."
Larry says Sherree was the key for making it look clean and comfortable.
Noting there were three or four lanes that weren't working, he says that was the next renovation project.
"All of the gutters had to come out and be replaced. We had a company come in to level lanes and sand them all down, and they helped me install the new gutters.
"Once we got all of that back together and running again and got new carpet and tile installed, then we were able to open on Aug. 18."
Then they established business hours.
Big Country Lanes is open from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday and is closed on Monday.
They have also established evening mixed leagues starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
They have two senior leagues on Thursday and Friday, which start and noon.
Special Olympics bowls on Thursdays, starting at 3:30 p.m.
Larry notes there is no need to be intimidated about joining a league because most of the bowlers are either new and coming back after a long layoff.
"Everybody is virtually in the same boat. We have a few who have been around but not that many."
He adds there is open bowling any time.
People can call 778-482-5002, or drop in at 879 Scott Rd.