Capital Bowl named, "2011 West Sac Chamber Business of the Year" | Business

Capitol Bowl was originally El Rancho Bowl, part of a complex that included a first-rate hotel and a drive-in movie theater. Built in the early 1950s, the El Rancho complex was on U.S. 40, the main drag from San Francisco to the Capitol.

When I80 was built in 1956 bypassing West Sacramento's "motel row," the city began to lose momentum. El Rancho continued to serve the community and set the pace for desegregating bowling alleys and encouraging women in the sport. (In the 1970s, one Sacramento TV station covered bowling scores in the nightly sports report!)Ross and Shaida Amin are the third family to own the bowling alley, changing the name when they bought it 11 years ago.

Chris White joined them shortly after Capitol Bowl opened. Since then, they've worked hard to improve the property and give back to the community. Capitol Bowl generously donates to fundraisers and provides volunteer "thank-you" parties for local non-profits.

The bowling alley also hosts an adaptive bowling league for West Sacramento's SPARK program. Not to mention all the River City High School students who found their first job handing out rental shoes or flipping burgers in the snack bar.

Three years ago, Capitol Bowl attended a small business workshop hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and City of West Sacramento. After learning about funding options for small businesses, assistance available from the City and support from the Chamber, Capitol Bowl invested in West Sacramento's growth by starting a major remodeling and expansion project.In October, Capitol Bowl completed with an extensive remodel of the bowling alley's social areas: restaurant, sports bar, party rooms and registration desk.

The new restaurant and lounge--Cap's Bar and Grill--serve fresh food from local vendors, including West Sacramento's United Bakery. The next step in the remodel is underway with a patio and exterior facelift. So far, Capitol Bowl has added six new positions in the restaurant and bar, and looks forward to adding more as business continues to build.In total, the project will cost just about $750k. Most of the funding is through Community Business Bank.

The Redevelopment Agency provided a $140k low-interest loan for equipment and furnishing. For Ross, Shaida and Chris, it's an investment in the business and the future of the City. This long-time business at the foot of West Capitol Avenue is a herald for the continued growth and change in the Tower district and along the City's core.

Source: Denice Seal