Written & reviewed by Stephen A. Sobin, President of Select Commercial Funding LLC
Single-Use Business
Bowling Alley Loans
We are pleased to offer bowling alley loans for the purchase or refinance of bowling alleys nationwide, from $1,500,000. Select Commercial specializes in bowling alley financing for small business owners who own their own bowling and entertainment properties. Because a bowling alley is an owner-operated, single-purpose business, we place these loans mainly through SBA 504 and 7(a), with up to 90% financing. Compare today’s commercial mortgage rates.
Get a Free QuoteBowling Alley Loan Rates & Terms
Rates updated as of August 23, 2026
| Loan Type | Rate* | Max LTV |
|---|---|---|
| SBA 504 (Fixed) | 6.03% | Up to 90% |
| SBA 7(a) (Variable) | 6.75% | Up to 90% |
- Bowling Alley purchase and refinance nationwide
- Up to 90% financing through SBA, 100% possible in some cases
- For seasoned operators and new owners
- Cash-out available for improvements or expansion
- Long terms, up to 25 years for real estate
- Loans from $1,500,000, no upfront fees
Rates last updated August 23, 2026. Rates and maximum LTV shown represent our best-case pricing scenarios. Actual rates, LTV, and loan terms are subject to underwriting approval and may vary.
What a Bowling Alley Loan Can Cover
Many new owners underestimate the capital needed to open and run a successful bowling alley operation. Beyond the real estate itself, we can finance:
- Acquisition of the real estate and the operating business
- Furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E)
- Closing costs
- Working capital
- Rehab, improvements and expansion
For a startup or an expansion, projection-based income can sometimes be used to qualify, an option traditional banks rarely match. Seller-financed bowling alleys can also be refinanced onto longer terms.
Three Main Sources of Bowling Alley Financing
There are three main sources of bowling alleys financing, and as a broker we compare all of them for your deal:
- SBA loans (504 and 7a): the most common route for bowling alleys, offering high leverage up to 90%, long terms and flexible underwriting for owner-operators.
- Seller financing: sometimes available on acquisitions, and often used alongside an SBA or bank loan.
- Conventional bank loans: available for stronger operators, though most conventional lenders steer clear of bowling alleys due to the specialized risk profile.
Bowling and Family Entertainment: The Numbers
Bowling has quietly become an entertainment business with multiple revenue streams. Recent industry data shows:
- About $4 billion in annual U.S. bowling center revenue across roughly 3,100 centers.
- 67 million Americans bowl each year, generating about 225 million visits.
- Food and beverage now drives about 35% of revenue, and entertainment offerings 45%, so modernized centers earn far more per visit than bowling alone.
- Growth near 4% annually is projected through 2028 as centers convert to family entertainment formats.
Financing a renovation into a family entertainment center, arcade, laser tag or upgraded kitchen is a classic use of SBA cash-out. We finance centers nationwide, including Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin, and in metros such as Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Columbus and St. Louis.
Bowling Center Lending: 2026 Outlook
Bowling’s numbers now look like an entertainment business: about $4 billion in annual U.S. revenue across roughly 3,100 centers, 67 million annual bowlers, and food and beverage contributing about 35% of revenue. Growth near 4% annually is projected through 2028, driven by centers converting to family entertainment formats with arcades, upgraded kitchens and bars. That conversion capital is exactly what SBA cash-out refinancing funds, and it is the most common 2026 loan request we see from center owners.
Why a Bowling Alley Loan Specialist Matters
Most conventional lenders avoid bowling alleys because the real estate and the operating business are intertwined. Many small business owners looking to refinance or take cash out have trouble getting traditional bank loans because of their company size, a specialized property type, credit history, or difficulty producing tax returns. It is important to choose a lender who has experience with bowling alleys and understands how to analyze these transactions.
With more than 30 years of experience, we finance bowling alleys that generalist lenders will not, with no upfront application or processing fees and written pre-approvals within 48 hours. See our business loans and special-purpose pages for related options.
What Our Clients Say
“I needed an SBA loan and found Select Commercial. It was obvious Stephen knew everything about commercial loans. If you are starting a small business, definitely give them a call.”
Larry S. · Washington, DC“I needed a business mortgage for my small business. Stephen helped me the entire way and was always accessible. I highly recommend them.”
Jonathan M. · Seattle, WA“I am a veterinarian who purchased an existing practice. I was surprised to find a company that offered 100% financing at a good rate, with great terms and rates for medical office financing.”
Carol K. · Chicago, IL“Select Commercial offered 100% financing for my medical practice when my bank would have required 20% down. They delivered something my bank could not, and handled everything professionally.”
John C. · Boston, MAGet Your Bowling Alley Loan Quote
No cost, no obligation. Written answers within 48 hours from $1,500,000.
- No application or processing fees
- Written answers within 48 hours
- For 5+ unit and commercial properties, $1.5M and up