ARNOLD–Stapleton residents Mitch and Amber Tatman became the new owners of Triangle Lanes bowling alley in Arnold effective October 1, purchasing the business from long-time owners Dell and Chyrel Cerny.
Both Mitch and Amber work in North Platte – Mitch as a mechanic at Union Pacific Railroad, and Amber is employed in the emergency room at Great Plains Health. Amber is also an EMT on the Stapleton/Fire Rescue. Their four children include Abilene, a 6th grader; Dalton, a 3rd grader; Raymond, a 2nd grader; and the littlest is Amelia, who is 19 months old. All three of the older kids attend Stapleton Public Schools.
“We were interested in buying the alley because it continues the legacy that Dell and Mr. Watson before him started. It gives the kids something to do; it gives families something to do, and somewhere to make memories. Our kids all seem excited about the purchase and this adventure,” said Amber.
Mitch is an avid bowler. He has over a 200 average and has bowled a 300 game. The couple has traveled the U.S. for nationals and the state of Nebraska for state bowling tournaments for many years. Amber said they spent their honeymoon in Syracuse, New York for nationals.
The couple plans to do some updating to the bowling alley, adding more backlights for cosmic bowling and a fresh coat of paint on the walls. They have dreams of expanding down the road and bringing back the snack part of the alley, but for now will focus on what they have first and work from there.
As far as hours, right now the bowling alley has leagues on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. They are still looking for more bowlers on the women’s league on Tuesdays and the men’s league on Wednesdays. Aside from that, the Tatmans are hoping that by the end of this year, they will have the updates done, and be able to open the alley up for open bowling. They plan to do some cosmic bowling, as well as family nights and Sunday Fundays. The bowling alley is also available for birthdays, holidays, family parties, and field trips for surrounding schools.
The Cernys purchased the bowling alley in 1979 from Stu Watson, and Dell said it was time.
“I was either going to have to close it or let someone else have it. Physically, we aren’t able to do anything anymore,” he said.
“Dell has been an amazing support through this, teaching us the machines and how he has ran the business. Even after October 1, he has been at the bowling alley, still making sure things run smoothly and helping us fix and learn,” Mitch said.
The Tatmans said they have gotten a lot of thanks, and friends that they have had conversations with have seemed very supportive and excited for them and the business. They are very excited to meet members of the community.
The couple asks everyone to be sure and like Triangle Lanes on Facebook to keep an eye on open bowling days and times coming up and to contact them. They can also be reached by phone or e-mail. Amber’s number is 308-520-9831, Mitch’s is 308-660-4257, and their e-mail address is: [email protected].
