Landmark 66 Bowl to Close and Become Grocery Store

Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A longtime landmark bowling alley on old Route 66 in Oklahoma City has been sold and will be turned into a grocery store.

Jim Haynes, who owns 66 Bowl, says he first wanted to sell the business to another bowling alley. But instead he signed a deal Wednesday that will move the Spices of India grocery store from its current location into the building now used for bowling.

The bowling alley will close Sept. 3. It is famous for its neon sign of a giant bowling pin and ball standing along the old highway.

Haynes has owned 66 Bowl for more than 30 years.

"It doesn't grow old cause you have fun," he said. "I think having fun is good for everybody."

Mike Hickey, the president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, says 66 Bowl has remained a popular attraction along what once was U.S. Highway 66.

Hickey says the decision to sell the bowling alley is "just economics."

Marjorie Curtis is a regular at 66 Bowl.

"There's just a lot of wonderful people that come here to bowl," Curtis said. "I enjoy mingling with people."