Circle Lanes, the bowling alley in Forest Park, is preparing to mark its 85th anniversary, celebrating a long-standing history that spans generations of bowlers, owners, and employees. The anniversary celebration is set for June 7, and for the Stutz family, who have owned and operated the business since 1985, the milestone represents both a reflection on the past and a continuation of the family legacy.
In an era where many bowling alleys have shifted toward “cosmic” lighting themed entertainment and new-age aesthetics, Circle Lanes has maintained a deliberately old-school style. The retro atmosphere, management says, is part of what defines the alley’s identity.
“We still want the bowling alley to have the old time feel,” said Drew Stutz, general manager at Circle Lanes, 7244 Circle Ave., Forest Park.
Circle Lanes was founded by Eddie Anderson Sr. on June 7, 1941. On Sept. 11, 1985, the Stutz family took over operations, beginning a new chapter that has since carried the alley through multiple generations of change in both ownership and the sport itself.
Over its 85 years, the alley has implemented additional upgrades that have reshaped the physical experience of bowling at Circle Lanes. In 1986, the ball return system was moved underground, and synthetic lanes were laid over the original maple surface. Automatic scoring was introduced in 2011, followed by updated synthetic lanes in 2024. More recently, a snack bar was added in 2026, and video screen masking units were installed recently, marking one of the newest enhancements.
A major part of Circle Lanes’ identity however, has remained its people. For the Stutz family, the alley has become more than a business, it functions as an extended family built through employees and regular patrons. Drew Stutz said one of the most meaningful aspects of running the alley is the consistency of the community members who return week after week.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, that sense of connection became even more apparent.
“It wasn’t the business that we missed but the interaction with people,” Denise Stutz said.
The community presence is still most visible during league nights when regular bowlers fill the lanes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., continuing traditions that in some cases stretch back decades.
Dave Coufol, who has worked at Circle Lanes for 25 years, said his favorite part of the job comes from working with the equipment and being around the sport itself. When asked about the upcoming anniversary, he didn’t hesitate.
“It’s a big deal,” Coufol said. “I think it’s great.”
For the Stutz family, reaching the 85th anniversary is both a reflection and continuation.
“It’s been a rewarding experience to see a variety of bowlers each week growing as the community does,” the family said in a statement. “It is an enjoyable place to be and we want to share it with everyone. What started with Bonnie and Zyg has continued to bring future generations closer and the opportunity to continue their legacy,” said Denise Stutz.
Even as modernization continues, the recent installation of an 8 foot by 100 foot LED screen system known as Neoverse and updates to the billiards flooring. The goal remains unchanged: to evolve without losing the atmosphere that defines Circle Lanes.
As the June 7 celebration approaches, the milestone serves not as an endpoint, but as another frame in a longer story still unfolding on the lanes, one built on tradition, adaptation, and the steady roll of a community institution that has lasted 85 years.