Popular Omaha Bowling Mini Bar and Restaurant to Open Lincoln Location | Dinner

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While Bob & Willie’s Wonderbowl’s pins, balls, and lanes are half the size, their website promises the experience is “twice as fun.”

The bar and mini bowling combo has quickly become an Omaha staple. The first location opened in Omaha’s Blackstone district in January, and managing partner Phil Schaffart said the concept will launch in Lincoln by the end of this year.

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All Together Hospitality Management – which owns the Wonderbowl – will open near 84th and Van Dorn streets, occupying the site previously occupied by Dino’s Crafted Burgers & Pizza, which closed in October.

Schaffart said business is booming in Omaha, and he hopes Lincoln residents will enjoy it as much as his current customers.

“Everyone who goes in there always has a good time,” Schaffart said. “It’s just a fun activity.”

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The lanes are about 30 feet long and are slightly raised to make the game more enjoyable. Bowling balls weigh just 3 pounds.

The aim is to be a familiar and engaging atmosphere – with no strings attached. Unlike other mini bowling locations across the country, Wonderbowl’s pins are not supported by ropes. The bowling experience is as close to reality as possible, Schaffart said, but far less stressful.

“It’s definitely a little easier to score, and I think it’s more fun than regular bowling,” Schaffart said. “Anyone can play.”







Most mini bowling locations have pins on the ropes, but Wonderbowl owners say they want the experience to be as close to reality as possible.


TAYLOR KAMMERER, photo courtesy


The mini bowling, also called duck bowling, can be found in other states, but Wonderbowl is the first of its kind in Nebraska.

While the Wonderbowl in Omaha is only open to guests over 21, Lincoln Alley will be open to all ages.

The Lincoln Wonderbowl will even have a full cocktail bar. Along with its spirits, the Omaha restaurant serves wings, cheesesteaks and more. Lincoln’s location will be more pizza-focused, Schaffart said.

Wonderbowl in Lincoln will have 10 lanes – the Omaha location has six.

Operations manager Chad Shoeman said he sees the Wonderbowl becoming a growing trend.

“It’s absolutely addictive,” Shoeman said.

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All Together Hospitality Management has several Omaha bars and restaurants, including Bar 39, Renos Karaoke and Little Ricky’s Rooftop Bar. The company is also gearing up to open the Blue Sky Patio and Pickleball Courts in Omaha in July.

Shoeman said he hopes to bring the Wonderbowl to other states as well.

“People keep asking, and we’re listening,” Shoeman said.

Contact the writer at 402-473-7241 or jthompson@journalstar.com

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