THE VILLAGES, Fla. — Woodrow’s Duckpin opened its alley on Sept. 17 at 2298 Randy McDaniels Way in downtown Middleton. The venue brings 10 lanes of duckpin bowling, a full-service bar, and food options to The Villages community.
The establishment is owned by Johnny Brann Jr., Josh Canale, and Jeff Royce, who are expanding the Woodrows concept to Florida following its original location in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Co-owner Johnny Brann Jr. described the community as an ideal match for the business concept. “The Villages is one of the most active and social communities in the country, and that makes it a perfect fit for Woodrows,” Brann said. “We wanted to create a place where you can stop in with friends, bring your family when they’re visiting, grab a drink, and have some fun together. Duckpin bowling is easy to jump into, no matter your age or how much bowling experience you have, and we think people here are really going to enjoy it.”
Duckpin bowling features several distinct differences from traditional bowling. The balls are significantly smaller, lack finger holes, and operate alongside shorter, smaller pins that make strikes more difficult to achieve. Players receive three rolls per frame rather than two. The sport requires no specialized bowling shoes, allowing guests to play in casual footwear.
Brian Smith serves as the general manager of the new Middleton venue. “We’re excited to open the doors and introduce Woodrows to The Villages,” Smith said. “What makes duckpin bowling so much fun is that anyone can walk in and play, whether you’re an experienced bowler or you’ve never picked up a bowling ball. We want Woodrows to become a place where residents can bring friends and family, enjoy some friendly competition, and have a great time together.”
For opening day, bowling lanes are available on a walk-in basis only with no online reservations. Sessions on opening day are offered in 30-minute increments rather than standard one-hour blocks to accommodate more visitors. Regular operating hours following opening day will be 11 am to 9 pm daily.
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