Merrimack Ten Pin — Local services in Merrimack

This review will be a hard one to write, especially considering I had to delete my original 5 star review to do so.

Little bit of history, I’ve been bowling at Merrimack 10 pin for 6 years, started out as an open bowler just enjoying a night out or a rainy day. Since I’ve become a regular league bowler committing to multiple leagues at Merrimack. Always a loyal patron, only ever bowled in Merrimack leagues and always defending them against others for outrageous cost or lack of care for league bowlers. Recruiting friends and family to join as well. I continue to bowl at Merrimack in hopes that it returns to its former glory, hope is running out. I drive over two hours round trip multiple times a week, with much closer alleys. Quick math tells me that I’ve spent over 40 THOUSAND dollars at this establishment over the last 6 years…. It’s coming to an end if things don’t change.

Since the remodel/ownership change food prices have absolutely skyrocketed. Chicken finger with fries is $19 dollars 🤯. A domestic draft beer is $8… 12 oz beer for $8? Come on… upon ordering food at the “snack bar” you will be given a buzzer that lets you know when your food is ready. You ask for a lane number to put it on the correct tab.. at more money than most restaurants in the area the least you could do is bring the food to the table. I remember when staff would walk the alley and check on regulars, offering food or drink if needed.

Upon mentioning increased food prices and my opinion of decreased flavor and quality I was told that it was the person cooking. And that the majority of people prefer the new food. I’ve had the food on two different occasions with two different cooks, not impressed either time. Menu items also come out with different ingredients or toppings depending on the night. Definitely in need of some attention before you charge top dollar. No concern or sympathy for the regular who was eaten 50 plus items from that same snack bar.

The place is still presentable but not even close to as clean as previous owners had it. Parking lot in the winter is an absolute disaster, ice melt is only spread on the side walk, not throughout parking lot. During open bowl tables and screen get a quick wipe down, no sweeping or cleaning of food or debris cleaned up from previous bowlers.

Multiple teams and individuals have moved onto other alleys. I am starting to see why. The hardest part of writing this review is I feel like I am being negative to a place I once enjoyed going to, what used to be the highlight of my week. I have made mention and expressed concern about EVERY single one of these issues mentioned above with a staff member. Always the same shoulder shrug and the occasional “make a review, that’s all Edgar cares about” I guess today is the day I’ve finally done so. And make no mistake I’ve always tipped extremely generously to the staff, always paid the tab and supported the business, this is not just a cost issue.. my opinion is the business is owned by an individual who doesn’t has the sport or hobby of bowling at heart or at mind.

Before the owner responds to the review ( if he does) you should ask Todd or Brad to put an anonymous survey in our league envelopes on if league bowlers are overall happy with the establishment. I’m sure the results will...

A review I hoped we would never have to write. We have been league bowling at Merrimack Ten Pin for many years. The years we had when previous owners owned the building were pleasant, affordable, polite, and well run. The pro shop was open regularly, the drinks and alcohol were always the correct price, and the food was affordable. Also, if something ever was wrong we would be reimbursed.

We have stuck through the transition of new ownership the last few years, and things are getting worse and worse the more time goes on. The face of the new owner is never present. The prices of alcohol are astronomical compared to any other facility around. Also the food has gotten even worse with the new remodel.

Example: A pizza costs over $22 for a cheese pizza that is floppy, greasy, and bland. How can prices be justified for that amount when the quality doesn’t hold up. We also had Asian Nachos that were forgetting 3 main ingredients. One week they were served warm, and the next week they were served cold. If the person producing the food isn’t qualified, then they shouldn’t be cooking.

The alcohol: Everything has increased even draft beers have now gone up to $8 a piece. There is also no price difference between Coors light, and a Downeast Cider.

We really hoped things would be different for this facility as we have loved coming here for years. Recently in the past couple of years everything has changed. We have expressed our concerns to the staff multiple times, and we have been told that the only way Eagar will acknowledge the complaints is by writing a review. It is sad it has come to this point. We are also not the only people who think this. Many league bowlers will be on their way out if things don’t change. Merrimack ten pin is more worried about the dollar signs coming in, then keeping their trusted long time customers happy and staying. To say the least, it is sad and...

This is not an easy review to write. MTP has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. From weekend/ rainy day trips, to consistent weekend visits to practice in anticipation, to joining multiple leagues to compete competitively.

I have been a frequent bowler here for many years now. Before the new management took over there was an emphasis on maintaining great relationships with the league bowlers (Regulars). Since the transition things have changed drastically, pricing increases, policy changes, ECT. The backbone of the business for a number of years was the leagues, and it has shifted under new management. I can no longer afford the food and drink options provided here on a regular basis (hence why I have not joined a league this fall.) There are cheaper and quite frankly better options within the immediate vicinity. I recognize that costs of goods and services are rising everywhere and this business is not exempt from the changes, but it feels a bit on the extreme side compared to some of the local competition. The staff is great and I maintain personal relationships with many of them. They are passionate about providing a great experience when visiting.

I am not saying I will not revisit from time to time, but I have no interest in joining a regular league at this time. The people are great and the staff really do care about the customers. The establishment is overall great as well. Just like any place there are places for improvement and I think that is an emphasis for the business. I hope to see this bowling alley grow back into the " Go to" location for league bowling again.

I hope that management takes a good long look at the impact of large price increases and how it effects the regulars. Some things are about more than just a profit and...