Cherry Hill’s “The Big Event” bowling, arcade, and restaurant facility is joining the Bowlero family of bowling facilities.
Today, The Big Event published a press release on social media announcing the change of ownership will take place mid-February. (Facebook)
A Bowlero press release in November made the initial announcement of an agreement in place for the Cherry Hill bowling and entertainment facility, with a closing targeted for early 2023.
Today’s press release states that on Tuesday February 14th, The Big Event will close for just three days as final details of the ownership change become final.
When they reopen on Friday February 17th, the entertainment facility will be part of the Bowlero family!
Overall it is our understanding the facility is going to continue as it had before, just with different ownership.
Bowlero is already running online job listings under “The Big Event” but with Bowlero listed as the overall company.
We first saw this news mentioned at popular Facebook Group “South Jersey Food Scene“. Hours later The Big Event confirmed the timing of the transaction.
(Image from 2021. Protective screenings are no longer in place)
The Big Event, Cherry Hill NJ
Jon Perper who is the Owner/President of The Big Event in Cherry Hill had this to say in Today’s announcement:
It is well known that the value of a business is created through the support of customers like you and Bowlero is committed to providing the best customer experience possible. All events post acquisition for both venues will be honored as booked and the same great fun will be waiting for you.
We thank each of you for your loyalty and continued patronage. Many wonderful memories have been created at The Big Event Entertainment Experience & Erlton Social Craft Bar & Kitchen.
Jon Perper, Owner/President of The Big Event in Cherry Hill regarding the sale to Bowlero Corporation. Full text is available here (Facebook)
Jon and his family have operated bowling facilities for over 60 years! According to this awesome piece on the family in the Inquirer back in 2007, the family acquired this Erlton Bowling alley in 1960.
As mentioned back in November 2022, the Bowlero Corporation announced they had an agreement of sale for the Cherry Hill entertainment facility.
On the East Coast, Bowlero Corp. continues its growth with the upcoming acquisition of The Big Event in Cherry Hill, NJ. The Big Event is a 36 lane center featuring billiards, ping pong, shuffleboard arcade games, and VIP private event rooms. Also located in this center is Erlton Social Craft Bar & Kitchen, a contemporary dining experience known for its vibrant atmosphere, unique menu and selection of craft beers and cocktails. The completion of this acquisition is expected in early calendar 2023.
Bowlero Corporation Press Release Nov 2022.
Nice to see the Erlton Social restaurant being directly referenced in the November press release from Bowlero… which gives further indication that the popular restaurant and bar is a key valuable aspect of Bowlero acquiring The Big Event.
We featured the new Erlton bar and restaurant section back in 2021 when the restaurant opened.
(Image from 2021. Protective screenings are no longer in place)
While we expect they will add the Bowlero name within the facility, and introduce their operational concepts to the facility… as mentioned we really don’t expect any big changes at Cherry Hill.
Consider that the Cherry Hill location already has the core features that Bowlero expects in their bowling centers, and in many ways The Big Event already exceeds the standards that Bowlero has in other area locations!
The Big Event in Cherry Hill has the Erlton dedicated restaurant and bar space, plus the arcade area is significantly larger in Cherry Hill than what I remember at their other two area locations I have visited (Deptford and Turnersville).
(Image from 2021. Protective screenings are no longer in place)
Now Hiring At The Big Event – Multiple Positions
Now Hiring at The Big Event – Multiple Positions
Bowlero Cherry Hill job listings, featuring “The Big Event” as the facility name
BOWLED NEW CAREERS AT THE BIG EVENT
They are currently hiring for the following positions:
- Lanes Servers
- Bartenders
- Food Runners
- Janitors
- Event Hosts
- Cooks
- F&B Attendants
- Porters
Bowlero Corporation
Bowlero Corporation is the largest 10 pin bowling center in the world with over 300 locations, almost all of which are in the United states.
The Cherry Hill facility does not yet appear under the locations page of the Bowlero website and will likely be added after all aspects of the deal are completed.
They are typically larger bowling centers averaging almost twice as many lanes as the US bowling center average.
In September 2019 Bowlero also took ownership of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA).
They also own the upscale Bowlmore brand of lanes, and also the legacy AMF Bowling Nrand.
This is a big time corporation traded on the NYSE under the stock ticker bowl. They are a member of the S&P 400.
Links and Location
Erlton Social Craft Bar and Kitchen
1536 Kings Highway North
Cherry Hill NJ 08034
The Big Event! Bowling, Arcade, Billiards
1536 Kings Highway North
Cherry Hill NJ 08034