The snack bar inside the bowling center at Camp Zama, Japan, is about to reopen after getting a half-million dollar overhaul.
To mark the occasion, Zama Bowl will offer two hours of free food and bowling during an open house set for 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The five-month project was the first major renovation of the facility’s restaurant since 1979.
“It was time for a face-lift,” said Martha Green, the bowling center business manager. “It had been put on the back burner for several years. There were always other things that needed more priority.
“It took a lot of years of hopes and wishes, two years of planning and about five months of construction. And now we’re ready.”
The bowling center’s lanes stayed open following the Aug. 4 closure of the snack bar, which was completely gutted and remodeled into a 1950s-style motif.
She said the restaurant was expanded to allow more space in the dining and kitchen areas. A party room also was added.
After the purchase of new equipment and other amenities, the entire project cost about $500,000, according to Green.
She said menu changes include the addition of more finger foods such as jalapeno poppers and an individual pan pizza.
Roasted chicken, teriyaki steak, deep-fried chicken wings, stir fry, curry, rice, egg rolls and yakisoba are among the longtime favorites that will remain.
The snack bar also offers lunch specials Monday through Thursday.
“It’s like a mini food court, but all in one operation,” Green said. “We’re not your ordinary snack bar.”
Zama Bowl is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
