About Us
Rose Bowl
3800 SE 164th Ave.
Portland, OR 97236
503-665-2134
www.rosebowlpdx.com
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The story about Rose Bowl is how our company “got into the bowling business”, nearly 23 years ago. In 1985, my dad, Leo Frank, and I began looking for a new business. At the beginning of 1986, dad called me and asked if he wanted to be in the bowling business. The manager of Leo’s bowling center inside Green Meadows told him about Sun Bowl Lanes, owned by Brunswick. I spent a week visiting the center at night and after a thorough investigation of the business and industry, we agreed to make the purchase. The sale was finalized in early 1986 and we took over shortly thereafter. We re-named the center after my grandmother and dad’s mom, Rosie Frank, and a new era for the facility began. Over the years we have remodeled the center twice, including new automatic scorers and a new system of bowling equipment. The dramatic growth of Rose Bowl led to subsequent bowling center acquisitions including Hollywood Bowl (89), Celebrity Bowl (92), and Atomic Bowl (95).
Leo Frank (1930 – 2006)
Although retired for most of our journey in the bowling business, few people understand the impact Leo Frank had on the local bowling industry in Portland or in the Tri Cities. His steadfast financial support of our four bowling centers through many tough times helped to ensure our bowling centers did not become a victim of what continues today in our industry, which is bowling centers closing. Leo Frank’s financial backing ensured Rose Bowl and our other centers remained as bowling centers today, and family recreation centers for people to enjoy for many years to come. A plaque recognizing my dad is prominently displayed at Rose Bowl.
A New Era for our Company
After Leo passed away in 2006, Barbara and I felt we needed to reduce debt, workload, and risk to the family, and I orchestrated a restructuring of the company to accomplish these goals. We sold the Hollywood Bowl real estate and leased back the building to remain as bowling operators; we sold the Celebrity Bowl business and leased the facility to long-time friend and employee, Alan Stanford. We leased the remaining space at Celebrity Bowl to a local church. We also sold the Atomic Bowl business to a group led by Jerry Howe and Max Faulkner, and signed a long-term lease to become landlords only.
At Rose Bowl, there would be no sale or changes to the business. Manager Heather Moeller was a big part of our decision to keep Rose Bowl as is because of her success as manager and long-term commitment to the company. Heather is entering her 21st year with the company, and words cannot describe what her dedication to our family has meant. She is not only a great manager, but she is a great person too. We are very lucky to have her as manager, and I can’t thank her enough for her dedication and service over the years. Thanks again, Heather!