MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron Duke, a Target Corporate
Computer Executive, has thrown away professional perks and pay to open the
only black-owned and -operated bowling center and sports bar in Minnesota.
A REAL RECYCLING JOB, WITH FAMILY HELP
Owner Aaron Duke is one of 12 children born and raised in St. Paul, so
he had plenty of low-priced (must feed the help) labor to fill the 12
dumpsters that were hauled away. In a rush of remodeling and urban renewal,
he took an old closed bowling alley and put in a year of hard work and a
seven-figure extreme makeover to make a real family fun center. Aaron saw
the potential in over 30 thousand square feet of old battered lanes, broken
lights, and dark painted walls in the very stable but drastically changing
neighborhood of Columbia Heights.
In Anoka county, smoking is still permitted and there will be
designated smoking in the sports bar.
SOMETHING OLD, NEW, BORROWED, AND BLUE
With all new lanes and blue accents, every square inch has been
repaired, replaced, or remodeled.
This huge project would have been impossible without the extensive use
of auctions. The new booths and seating are from the former local landmark
restaurant Little Jack's. The tables, chairs, and variety of flags in the
decor are from St. Paul's Minnesota Business Academy.
The real treasure, though, was the mascot of Double A Lanes: The huge
snowman was one of the group of Charles Schulz' Peanuts characters that
dotted the city over the last few years. Now he has a new life at the front
door to greet all the customers at the center.
Duke's Sports Bar & Grill is filled with sports murals, old Negro
League pictures, and a special section honoring Aaron's hero, Kirby
Puckett, who was married to his cousin Tonya Puckett. Aaron has also added
pool tables, dart machines, and huge plasma TVs to watch all the sports you
could want. Of course, it is all free Wi-Fi so bring your laptop.
COMMUNITY ASSET
Aaron will be partnering with local non-profits and schools to provide
fundraisers and in-school and after-school programs using the bowling
center, arcade and huge banquet rooms. We have invited President Clinton to
our grand opening.
Now open from 11 am until 1 am:
Double A Lanes & Family Fun Center
Duke's Sports Bar & Grill
845 45th Ave. NE
Columbia Heights, MN
612-202-3632
http://www.myspace.com/funatdukes
Contact:
Aaron Duke
612-202-3632
http://www.myspace.com/funatdukes
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