An iconic part of Callicoon–the bowling alley–is getting ready to greet visitors once again after a 16-year absence.

Big Shot Bowling Lounge and Family Entertainment, located just south of Callicoon on Route 97, will be opening in early June with 10 lanes of bowling, a game room, outdoor patio, and full kitchen.

New owners Thomas and Laura Palmeri have spent the last year-and-a-half completely redoing both the interior and exterior of the 60-plus-year-old building, investing nearly $500,000 in brand new equipment and complete renovations.

“We put in all new plumbing to the well and insulated both the interior and exterior walls,” Thomas said. “We also installed new pinsetters, ball returns, lighting, carpeting, seating, and all new digital scoring with LED screens.

“It’s the newest scoring system [on the market],” he said. “We will have 48 different games to play. We will also have 110 new balls, 140 new pairs of [rental] shoes and all new furniture.

“We are going to gear it toward family entertainment–including a game room,” he said. “We will have 12 machines in there for both young kids and adults.”

Most of the equipment investment was because Thomas and Laura “didn’t want to have problems” with broken ball returns or faulty pinsetters.

“Our new pinsetters will also use 90 percent less electric because they will have power sensors that detects when a ball needs to be returned, then shuts off,” he said. “We also were able to convert from 220 [amperage] to 110.”

There will also be two lanes of darts for those wanting to try their skills at another sport.

More to offer

The Palmeris didn’t stop with just redoing the 10 lanes and game room but built an outdoor patio where guests will be able to enjoy dining, games, and eventually ax throwing this summer.

“I also installed a smoker and hired a person to smoke ribs, brisket, pulled pork and chicken,” he said. “We plan on having that available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.”

The bowling alley also plans on offering burgers, pizzas, hand-cut fries, and quality fried food from its kitchen.

History

Thomas, who lives with his family in Milford, PA, first saw the bowling alley while he was traveling to Hancock on Route 97 to redo a house.

“From 2010 through 2017 I owned my own bank, Coral Mortgage Bankers,” he said. “In 2017, I merged my office with East Coast Capital, who I currently hold my license with.”

Originally from Northport, Long Island, Palmeri and his wife, Laura, moved to Milford during the pandemic.

“My wife fell in love with Milford,” he said. “Our options were remote learning or moving to Milford for in-school. We wanted in-school for our children, so we moved.”

The couple has 21-year-old twins, Ava and Thomas, and a younger daughter, Brooke, who is 17.

Laura plans on operating the bowling alleys, which will welcome camps during the summer as well as leagues in the fall and winter. Joining her will be Thomas Moss, who is the Building Supervisor, and Paige Parucki, who will be the Manager.

“Thomas Moss has been with us throughout our transformation,” Laura said. “He is an invaluable part of our organization. We’re also excited to welcome Paige Parucki to the team and look forward to the impact she’ll make.”