From the Chamber
A Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting was held at Walnut Bowl on Thursday in celebration of the completion of extensive remodeling and modernization efforts at the beloved Great Bend entertainment hub.
Hosted by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, the event honored Walnut Bowl’s continued investment in the community and its transformation into one of the most modern bowling centers in Kansas. Owners Jim and Linda Mayberry welcomed guests, sharing stories of the center’s evolution and showcasing the impressive upgrades that have revitalized the space while preserving its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
Walnut Bowl, located at 3101 Washington Street, has been a staple in Great Bend since opening in 1962. Under the Mayberrys’ ownership since 1996, the business has grown into a full-service entertainment destination featuring bowling, a lively arcade, a full-service bar and grill, a party room, and an outdoor miniature golf course. Jim Mayberry highlighted the installation of cutting-edge string pinsetters, making Walnut Bowl one of the first in Kansas to adopt this technology. These new machines are faster, quieter, and 70% more energy-efficient than the previous models.
Recent upgrades include brand-new automatic bumpers and gutters, upgraded ball returns and lighting systems, and a completely renovated kitchen. The Mayberrys also added a walk-in cooler and freezer, built in-house by their team during the pandemic. Over the years, the restaurant and the entire facility has been refreshed, also including new electrical systems and a sloped, insulated roof.
In addition to league play and open bowling, Walnut Bowl offers youth-adult cosmic leagues, birthday parties, and corporate events. Miniature golf is available year-round, weather permitting. Walnut Bowl also hosts a variety of weekly specials and themed events to keep the fun going. Every Monday is Bowling Night, with games priced at just $2.50 and free shoe rental. On Wednesdays, guests can enjoy All You Can Bowl from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. for only $10 per person. Sunday evenings feature Walnut Bowl Big City Lights from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering unlimited bowling for $15. And coming up on Friday, Oct. 31, the Big City Lights Halloween Party will kick off at 7:30 p.m., where ladies in costume bowl free and drink specials will be available throughout the night.
Walnut Bowl is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant follows the same schedule, with the grill closing one hour before the facility closes each night.
Jim Mayberry, a member of both the Kansas State USBC Hall of Fame and the Kansas Bowling Proprietors Association, continues to be a driving force behind the center’s success. His dedication, paired with the support of his wife Linda and family, has kept Walnut Bowl thriving for decades. Reflecting on the remodel and the center’s welcoming atmosphere, Jim added, “We invite everyone to come out and experience Walnut Bowl for themselves. Even if you’re not a bowler, you’ll find great food, friendly faces, and a place where the whole family can relax and have fun.”
For more information or to book your next event, visit walnutbowlgb.com.