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ARLINGTON — On a recent Wednesday night, the crowd at Rocket Alley is cozy, relaxed and loud. The clack and clatter of a bowling ball hitting the pins for a strike brings cheers, moans and laughter.

Kids and old-timers seated in the retro-style red, gray and black diner munch on Alley BLT sandwiches, Nitro pizzas and Gutterball hamburgers. Their entertainment is the league bowling on the lanes below.

Open since June, Rocket Alley has revived the spirit of the community bowling alley in downtown Arlington. The former Melady Lanes, which was shuttered for more than a year, was hurt by waning interest and low attendance.

Steve Saunders saw the “For Lease” sign last January and decided he wanted to pursue his dream of owning a little restaurant. The bowling alley was the plus.

“People asked why I would start a business in the middle of a recession. If we all took that attitude, nobody would go anywhere,” Saunders said. “Bowling doesn't pay the bills, but it does make the place special.”

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