The Lucky’s Market, at 2420 S. Walnut St., closed on February 12th, 2020 due to a lack of profit. Indiana Public Media explained that Kroger had invested in Lucky’s, but they ended their partnership once Lucky’s started to lose money. Today, construction is being done, and the old market will turn into an entertainment center with a bowling alley, restaurant, bar, and over 50 arcade games.
In an interview with senior Zoe Gray, Gray explained that an entertainment center so close to Bloomington South will be a great place for students to spend time with each other outside of school. She also said that having a place to go bowling near South could open up more opportunities for after prom. Zoe explained that the opening of this center could ultimately lead to the closing of Classic Bowling Lanes, but it could be a positive in many ways, especially for students.
On the other hand, senior Sophie Dykstra said that the old Lucky’s Market is too small to house all of these activities and though the advertisement seems nice, it is unrealistic. She is hoping that the business can be successful, but she has her doubts.
William McCrary (the new owner), his wife, and his two daughters will run the business as a family affair, and McCrary expects that his son will eventually work in the business as well. According to the Herald Times, the family bought what used to be Lucky’s Market for $4.25 million on May, 2nd 2024. They ran the Paoli Rock-N-Bowl Family Fun Center & Skating Rink before, so this is not the first time the family will be running an entertainment center. McCrary also has built a 34-lane bowling alley in Louisville, and numerous lanes in other states.
Not only will the entertainment center have the games listed above and a bar, but there will also be laser tag, bumper cars, skating rinks, and pickleball courts. McCrary hopes to have the center open by April or May 2025. There could be competition with places in Bloomington such as Dave & Busters, but McCrary is confident that his wide range of clientele will set him apart from competitors and his business will be successful.
