Construction is officially underway at Charleston’s first downtown restaurant and bar with eight bowling lanes, The Alley, which is projected to open at 131 Columbus Street this fall. The Alley will offer an unparalleled entertainment experience in a high-energy atmosphere, bringing affordable fun and games to locals and tourists of all ages. In addition to putting a fresh face on one of America’s favorite pastimes—bowling—The Alley will feature a variety of games and amenities, including classic arcade games, basketball, ping pong, shuffleboard, multiple flat screen televisions, several unique event spaces and a full-service restaurant and bar.

Chris Poole, Jimmy Poole, Aaron Siegel and David Crowley ink the deal.

Locally owned and operated by David Crowley, Jimmy Poole and Chris Poole, The Alley has forged relationships with several top local businesses, including Stumphouse Architecture + Design and Hogan Construction, who have transformed the downtown warehouse space that previously housed Ben Arnold Beverage Distribution, which operated in the building from the early 1970s through late 1980s. In addition, The Alley has just announced an agreement with operators of local favorite Home Team BBQ, who will be their exclusive food partner. The Alley and Home Team will collaborate on a new menu concept that changes the perception of typical bowling alley food. The chef-driven menu will feature made-from-scratch dishes using local product with a focus on comfort foods and American classics.

The Alley will offer a variety of options for private events, including birthday parties, corporate events and charity gatherings. As one of downtown Charleston’s largest event venues, The Alley will stimulate the local economy by bringing numerous full and part-time jobs to the city.

A full web site will be launched in September. In the interim, more information on The Alley can be found online at www.facebook.com/TheAlleyCharleston or via Twitter at @TheAlleyChas.