Bowlers File Class-Action Antitrust Lawsuit Against Lucky Strike Entertainment

Benjamin Doehr, an avid bowler in Seattle, and 10 other plaintiffs from other states filed a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing Lucky Strike Entertainment of buying up bowling alleys and harming competition. The company, which formerly operated under the name Bowlero, now runs nearly 350 bowling alleys after growing primarily by purchasing independent operators and bowling chains. S.

The lawsuit claims league registration fees, food prices and the general cost of renting a lane have all increased under Lucky Strike Entertainment's ownership. It further alleges the company tripled the price to bowl at some locations in recent years. m.

Before any food or drinks. Doehr said the company cancelled league events at his local alley to make room for corporate events. The suit also accuses Lucky Strike Entertainment of failing to properly oil its lanes and replacing traditional pins with string pins, which are bowling pins with nylon cords attached to their heads.

These changes, plaintiffs argue, have reduced the quality of the bowling experience despite higher prices. Lucky Strike Entertainment uses its larger size to negotiate better terms from suppliers, according to the complaint. The plaintiffs said this practice gives the company an advantage over independent operators.

They argued that Lucky Strike raising its rates encouraged other local bowling alleys to increase their prices as well. The lawsuit demands a jury trial. The plaintiffs are seeking damages, restitution and injunctive relief.

They want the court to reverse the company's acquisitions of bowling centers, block it from future acquisitions and prevent it from using supplier agreements that it argues hurt independent operators. "This Court has the power to preserve the century-long tradition of operating bowling centers in this country as a fair and honest line of business providing all Americans, regardless of age or socioeconomic status, the opportunity to gather and engage in a national pastime at fair prices," the lawsuit said.

A Lucky Strike Entertainment spokesperson rejected the allegations.

"This lawsuit is a meritless attempt by a startup plaintiffs’ firm to generate headlines at the expense of a company that has spent more than three decades expanding opportunities for the sport of bowling and the communities we serve," the spokesperson said. The Independent has requested comment from Lucky Strike Entertainment. The suit was reported by King 5 Seattle.

It targets what plaintiffs describe as an intentional strategy of consolidating local markets to squeeze as much money as possible out of hard-working families once they are in the door.