Bowling is Back!

PULLMAN—Governor Jay Inslee approved eastern Washington counties to transition into Phase 2 of the COVID lockdown. This allows for businesses like Zeppoz to open their businesses for 25% of its original capacity.

Co-owner Craig Peterson is happy to have some of his former employees back after a long shutdown period.

“We have 34, 35 [employees] that we laid off back in November,” Craig said. “You worry about your family, I mean, this is one big family.”

Zeppoz is very excited to bring people through the doors for more than a pickup food order, but they feel there could be more than a quarter of what they are accustom to. Other co-owner Chris Nash has been in Zoom meetings with the Washington Hospitality Industry about the best course of action during these phases.

“14 states have operated at 50% percent capacity in bowling centers, restaurants, bars, movie theaters,” Nash said. “Those 14 states had the lowest transmission rate for COVID-19.”

Until they can see more than the allotted amount of customers during Phase 2, Zeppoz offers all of its services at a reduced amount of customers. For bowling specifically, the drawback is having only two players per lane.

A smooth transition into Phase 2 and a few more rounds of vaccines could possibly bring the bowling alley owners their dreams of operating at half capacity.