Town Hall Lanes being sold by longtime owner

bowling

By Kim Kalunian, WPRO News 

Town Hall Lanes in Johnston is under new ownership.

Former State Representative Frank Ferri is selling the duckpin bowling alley to its general manager, Rich Fraielli.

“The sale is bittersweet,” Ferri told WPRO News Friday. “I love the business, it’s a great business to be in, but it’s time for me to move on, because the business has changed.”

Town Hall Lanes dates back to 1959, and Ferri and his family have owned it since 1984. Ferri took sole ownership of Town Hall Lanes 12 years ago. Four years ago, Ferri hired Fraielli, and said he will help reinvigorate the company.

“It needs new energy, it needs somebody young with new ideas, who knows the new generation market a little better,” said Ferri, 61.

The announcement of the sale comes less than six months after Ferri ran unsuccessfully for Lieutenant Governor and exited the political arena. Now, he said he plans to take things day by day and make sure the transition of ownership goes smoothly.

“Thirty two years ago if you told me I was going to own a bowling center I would have said ‘You’re crazy!’” said Ferri. “I didn’t know politics was going to be in my future either.”

He said he has been approached by several organizations to serve on their boards.

Ferri will retain ownership of the building, and hopes to maintain an active role in the business.

“It’s going to stay a duckpin bowling alley,” said Ferri, who encourages folks to come bowl. “Come help a small business in Rhode Island to be successful!”

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