For the many who frequent Wiebelhaus Recreation, a major change can be noted on the east side of the long-time Crofton business.
With the waning interest in bowling, owners Brian and Deb Wiebelhaus made the decision in 2022 to convert the bowling area into additional space for dining.
The original four wood bowling lanes were installed in 1947, one year after the opening of the restaurant and bar by Brian’s parents Walt and Eva. Since family gatherings are an important tradition, Brian and Deb Wiebelhaus marked the beginning of the remodel with a final family bowling night on December 3, 2022, with most of the family present.
When the work began in earnest, the gutters and ball returns were removed and replaced with the same half inch thick synthetic material used to replace the wood lanes in 2011.
The pin-setters were sold for parts to bowling alleys in Dennison, Iowa and Humphrey, Nebraska. Most of the bowling balls, some shoes and the bowling racks were donated to Immaculate Conception Church in Omaha, which owns a bowling center in the city. The walls were repainted and a doorway to the kitchen to facilitate food serving was installed. A stainless steel buffet makes serving a variety of foods to large groups of people possible.
The remodel was completed and open for business on February 24, 2023, in time for the first Friday of Lent buffet.
The new dining space accommodates seating for 125-130 people and will provide a venue for graduation parties, showers, birthday parties and funeral lunches. Remaining plans to add a special touch will consist of filling the walls with memorabilia such as photos of the Hall of Fame of Crofton bowlers. The Wiebelhauses hope that these changes honor the memory of Walt and Eva Wiebelhaus.