Zone Bowling Richlands — Attraction in Brisbane City

On its last legs or just barely financially keeping its head above water is probably the most accurate way to describe AMF bowling Richlands.

From the outside the building looks derelict, it is obvious even from the carpark that very little money goes into the general upkeep and presentation.

Inside I watched and listened in awe as the young girl serving chastises two children for having the audacity to return bowling shoes that were ill-fitting, don't you know your own shoe size you've been back to change shoes a few time already as she practically throws the new shoes onto the counter, and no she still didn't assist them in getting the correct size.

The surly attitude continues when it is our turn to be served, it was definitely her way or the highway as she talked over any request or query I tried to make - in hindsight I don't think she appreciated being reminded that it was her job to hand out shoes and that she should show her customers more respect regardless of age.

On to the alley itself, unlike other more modern bowling alleys the children's bumpers are manually operated, so they are either up or they are down - pretty unacceptable really if you are paying full price and bowling with people with mixed abilities, but for Richlands it's apparently par for the course.

When our lane had mechanical issues failing to reset it was quite the wait due to the apparent lack of staff. The lane was eventually duly reset but still presented with a few random frame resets - luckily we were all just about finished for the evening so no real point saying anything, it would more than likely have fallen on deaf ears anyway.

I'm not a mad keen bowler but next time I go I'll gladly drive the extra distance to go to somewhere else which will hopefully have better facilities and more...

Brought the kids here for a day out. Staff were very friendly.

Unfortunately, there is a strong money-grabbing culture within this organisation. As part of a promotional 'deal' you're given vouchers to spend at the cafe, but don't expect to get any change from those vouchers without having to cause a scene. Luckily the manager went above and beyond. She understood my point of view and gave me the difference in cash.

The food is below-standard hot box stuff. Overpriced, tiny portions - nothing healthy at all. The kids meal cheeseburger was less than 2.5 inches in diameter and the nachos were almost inedible.

Despite the friendliness and the support of the staff, there was a lot of information that was withheld about the deal we purchased. Part of the deal was a card with credits for arcade games. We weren't told that it only applies to certain games and not others.

We also weren't told about expiry dates of vouchers and games. It's a shame that Zone feel the need to take money from customers by dressing up 'deals' for vouchers and credits that have restrictions and expiry dates.

Overall review: A fun place for kids but expensive, frustrating and disappointing for the parent/carer. I can't recommend this place. There are better, less-expensive ways to spend a couple of hours bonding with...

Arrived at Richlands for a 3pm game today, last time I rolled here was before the renovations and takeover by Zone. On that occasion it was a 30c day and inside was like a furnace due to a munted HVAC. Who would have thought it was still munted five years later. It was like bowling in a sauna. I spoke to the counter staff who were fantastic with their service but had to explain they did not know why it was munted and could not apologise enough. I would hate to be any staff member who has to work in the kitchen in those conditions and the days high temps. Last point, The music does not have to be the same volume as a 747 taking off. So loud on the lanes it is headache inducing. it does not distract from the lack of air con and does not make it "fun" or "awesome". Five Stars to Rue and her colleague for being so helpful and having to put up with working in that hot box. Two stars for Zone management and head office failing to replace the munted HVAC since taking over, the word for that is incompetent. Anyone considering bowling here on a hot QLD day should immediately reconsider and go to Mt Gravatt or Logan...