Sean P.
Yelp
I went as part of their service industry night. On their site, Kings states that between 9PM - 11 PM, service workers receive a couple of hours of free bowling and billiards as well as specialty cocktails (photo included with post.) which is a great way to participate in a city tradition and something I've taken regular part in since it began and I always make sure to give back by ordering food and drink while I'm there, even if it is at a discounted rate.
The last time I went, I put my order in and roughly by 9:50, my server came back and informed me that I have "6 minutes left" and stated anything I took part in would have to be at full price. He offered to ask about an extension, but said that he wasn't sure about the likelihood. I inquired as to what he meant and he explained that service industry night was for anyone playing or dining between 9 - 11. After I told him that's what we're doing, he then informed us of "a new policy" where our time given was dictated by the amount of people in our party. As I was with my partner, it was only an hour.
This baffled me as nothing had been told to us either when we reserved our night or when we checked in. I thanked the server for telling me and went to speak with one of the supervisors to get some clarity. The supervisor I spoke with, Joshua McAnderson(?), then reiterated this new policy that "was passed down from corporate and had been in effect for over a week." I said that was weird how nothing was communicated tonight beforehand nor on their site. He agreed that the site needed to be fixed and he "understands the frustration, but you are bowling for free." To which I explained "yes, but I'm still ordering drinks and food, so I am still a paying customer." At which point he replied sharply "Yeeeaaa, but not as much."
After being told that, I explained that I understand revenue is important, thanked him for explaining and told him I'd pass the word on to my friends and coworkers about this weird change. I paid my tab, gathered my partner, belongings and returned my shoes. Before leaving, I made sure to get his name, which to his credit, he gave as well as gestured to/name-dropped his boss, Bill whom he said I could also speak with (smugly). I said hi to Bill, but explained that wouldn't be necessary and I knew who to speak with.
In retrospect that night was rainy and busy. They only had their center lanes open which had gotten full.They easily could have opened at least the Kingpin room like they have before since no one reserved them but they'd decided not to (one guest asked about the lanes by the game area, to which she was told there was an a/c issue). What it seems like is either they were trying to sneakily clear out lanes or maybe this simply isn't returning the revenue they'd hoped. In any case, no establishment should ever devalue their customer/guest by calling them out for the amount they're paying (which Joshua absolutely did when speaking to me in front of other guests and staff.) Especially when it's a promotion they're stated to be offering.
Our treatment and experience is a shame, but not a surprise. Kings is nothing if not consistent in valuing the dollar over their guests and there are *plenty* of similar establishments worth your money/time.