Minding Your Business- The Alley Bowling & BBQ

The town of Orleans is in for a big treat when the doors of the Alley Bowling and BBQ open back up soon. Owner and operator Dave Currier is completely revamping and renovating this local institution with extensive upgrades and modern features throughout. The Alley will still have its 12 lanes of candlepin bowling and mouth-watering BBQ that locals and visitors have come to love over the years. And the Alley will not be changing the iconic whale mural on the outside of the building. With the massive update, the Alley will now feature new branded colors throughout, updated rugs and flooring, metal-wrapped partition walls, multiple custom fire features and a brand new outdoor space. 

I had a tour of the renovations during construction and can not wait to visit once the Alley reopens. Currier walked me through every inch of the space, pointing out all of the custom work being done. I even got a chance to walk out onto the lanes for a photo! 

“The laneside seating and original benches are also getting a complete makeover for the first time in 50 years,” Currier says. “There will be more functional areas now and there will be brand new tables and chairs, too.”

Parties are big business at the Alley, with more than 100 per year, many at Christmas. Guests can look forward to dedicated spaces with new high tops and flooring with plenty of buffet space.

Currier says, “We always get employee parties, birthday parties. We have a few great functional party zones here.”

For those of us who can't get enough of the brisket, burnt ends, ribs and pulled pork, fear not; nothing is changing with the offerings from the kitchen. 

“Everything is staying the same with the restaurant and menu,” Currier says. “We will start moving into serving lunch soon as well.”

The fire features are going to blow guests away. There will be multiple units throughout the space and outside on the new patio. In total, there will be two “epic” fire features inside and two outside. The gas units are being installed by Bow and Arrow Stove and range in sizes from 50 to 62 inches. One fire feature will include LED lighting and will be see-through from the bar area to the dining room. For perspective, a gas fireplace one would purchase for their home runs around 35,000 BTUs. One of the largest at the Alley has 290,000 BTUs!

The outdoor deck area will not have table service but will be first come, first served seating with the capacity to hold approximately 40 guests. However, booking private functions is an option. The entire area will be landscaped and have a six-foot fence. The outdoor space and firepit are sure to attract lots of guests year round.

“It’s going to be a huge draw,” Currier says. “We are going to get people in to visit when it’s not raining. People always come when it rains!”

The Alley is a landmark institution in town, loved by local and seasonal visitors alike. It is the perfect spot for families and a fun night out or a rainy afternoon spent making core memories. Be sure to stop in and check out all of the incredible updates!  

The Alley Bowling & BBQ

191 MA-6A, Orleans, MA 02653

774-801-2116