XL Cover Story: Small Worlds - Dart Bowl

One-stop shopping for fun, food and fashion (well, socks, anyway)

Never mind that bowling at Dart Bowl in itself is a good thing to do. There's also a museum of sorts to enjoy on either side of the entrance. It includes a magazine clip of John Venturello, America's oldest bowler at 102. Old wooden pins and bowling balls. Knick-knacks of Minnie and Mickey Mouse bowling. An old pamphlet, "Bowling Tips," by Tillie Taylor, courtesy of Kinney's Shoes. Patches. Collectible pins. Beer steins. Old trophies and photos.

Like any bowling center, there is a mix of the very young (using bumper guards to avoid a gutter ball every time), teens (on dates) and the very old (getting what they call exercise). Some patrons munch on chips and soft drinks. Some take a drag off a cigarette and a swig of beer between turns to bowl. Some come for the enchiladas in the cafe. Some just to watch. But always, children are around, either bowling or working the vending machines.

Dart Bowl is a one-stop place for taking care of life's daily issues. Need money? An ATM for your convenience. Got a headache? Advil for $3 in a vending machine. Need socks and can't find a Wal-Mart? Dart Bowl has socks -- albeit bowling socks -- in a vending machine. OK, you can't get photos developed or pay the electric bill, but who knows what the future holds?

Dart Bowl is a cash cow for Jessica Ganem. Imagine bowling paying for college. That's exactly what the 15-year-old has done by playing well for the past seven years in tournaments and leagues. She's earned more than $10,000 in scholarship money.

"Yeah, it will help me a lot," she says. The Leander High School student, who carries a 194 average, plans to attend Wichita State University to become an occupational therapist.

The Ganems make bowling a family affair. Grandpa Bill Ganem, 76, still bowls. His son, Billy, Jessica's dad, sports a hefty 230 average. Ten-year-old William, Jessica's brother, has an impressive 180 average.

Bill Ganem gets the fuzzies watching his grandchildren play in a place he's frequented since 1960 when Dart Bowl was at Anderson and Burnet roads. "I haven't given this much thought, but I guess we all expected them to bowl. They are following in our footsteps," he says.

Jessica enjoys growing up among people who share her interest and, she notes, "This is very affordable entertainment.

"You just feel good going to Dart Bowl. Everyone becomes part of your family. People are so nice and welcoming to anyone who walks in the door. It's just a great atmosphere to play, watch and eat."
--Ricardo Gándara

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