A Seattle bowler claims prices and league fees rose after Bowlero acquired the Capitol Hill bowling center.
SEATTLE — A Seattle bowler is leading a proposed class-action lawsuit that accuses Lucky Strike Entertainment, formerly Bowlero, of buying up bowling centers across the country, raising prices and making the bowling experience worse, according to a complaint filed in federal court in Seattle.
The complaint was filed on behalf of Benjamin Doehr, of Seattle, and 10 other plaintiffs from several states who say they were harmed by the company’s business practices.
The plaintiffs allege the company carried out a yearslong plan to consolidate bowling centers in local markets, charge customers more and reduce the quality of the experience.
The lawsuit says Bowlero grew from six centers in the U.S. in 2012 to nearly 350 in 2026 by buying independent operators and larger chains.
In Seattle, the complaint points to Garage Billiards & Bowl, which Bowlero acquired in May 2019, and Lucky Strike Bellevue, which it acquired from Lucky Strike Entertainment LLC in September 2023.
Doehr, described in the lawsuit as an avid bowler who has bowled in Seattle-area leagues since around 2019, said he noticed higher prices and reduced quality at Garage after it was acquired.
The complaint says prices for bowling, food and drinks increased over the last four or five years, along with league registration fees.
The lawsuit also claims league events at Garage were canceled to make room for corporate events.
Doehr and his friends also said the company failed to consistently oil the lanes and replaced traditional bowling pins with string pins, which they said made the experience worse.
The complaint accuses the company of using acquisitions to gain power in local bowling markets, including the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area.
Plaintiffs also claim the company used its size to get better terms from suppliers, giving it an advantage over smaller independent bowling centers.
The lawsuit says prices increased not only at Lucky Strike and Bowlero locations, but also at competing bowling centers that plaintiffs claim raised their prices in response.
Other plaintiffs describe similar concerns in California, New York, Virginia, Illinois and other states, including higher food and shoe rental prices, poorly maintained lanes, broken machines, dirty facilities and louder, nightclub-style atmospheres.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages, restitution and injunctive relief. They are also asking the court to unwind Bowlero’s acquisitions of bowling centers and the Professional Bowling Association, block future acquisitions in bowling and related markets, and stop the company from using supplier agreements that plaintiffs say hurt independent competitors.
The complaint includes claims under federal antitrust law, including the Clayton Act and Sherman Act, as well as state antitrust and unfair competition laws.
The plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial.
KING 5 News has reached out to Lucky Strike Entertainment for their response to the lawsuit.
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