For those passing by, Pin Chasers in Zephyrhills may look like a typical bowling alley.
But, for those within the center, at 6816 Gall Blvd., it’s a social hotspot.
Throughout its 60-year history, Pin Chasers — owned by the Perrone family — has been a gathering place for generations of people.
The 32-lane bowling center provides ample opportunities for bowlers to test their mettle and show off their skills.
But, it’s also a place where people meet to throw back a beer or two. Or, host birthday or holiday parties.
Some have even been married there.
Aubrey Ogilbee, Pin Chasers’ sales and marketing director, grew up in Zephyrhills and spent a lot of time hanging out at the alley.
She went to see her grandmother, Fran Rebenski, who was the bowling league secretary for years.
By 2002, Ogilbee was competing on her grandmother’s team.
One thing led to another and she went to work for Pin Chasers, where she has remained for more than a decade.
And now, her 12-year-old son, Hayden Lopez, is continuing the family tradition. He’s been growing up inside the bowling center’s walls, just like his mom did.
Longtime employee Amy Higgins, who is now the general manager, often brings her 4-year-old son, Orion, along to work.
He adapts well to the environment: Even the hustle and bustle of the busy alley can’t keep him from napping on the lobby couch.
Pin Chasers is one of those places where everyone seems to have a story to tell.
On a recent Friday afternoon, three women were finishing their lunch, getting ready to roll another game.
Martha Colon, of Tampa, was there with her sister Liz Douglas, of Wesley Chapel, and their friend, Regina Trader, also of Wesley Chapel.
The ladies call themselves ‘The Golden Girls.’
They recount that their adult children say they don’t know how to have fun — but their laughter, teasing, hooting and hollering echo throughout the place, defying their children’s claims.
Meanwhile, at one of the pool tables near the lobby, Angie Blair, of Zephyrhills, and Carl, her husband of 35 years, are working on their game.
They’ve caught the fever again, after a 20-year hiatus.
Angie says she rusty, but claims that Carl “still has it.”
Over at the bar, a regular has dropped in.
Ken Kenyon, of Dade City, has been bowling at Pin Chasers since 1986.
As he sips a beer, he strikes up a conversation with William Teets, of Wesley Chapel, who was there drinking a Coca-Cola.
Kenyon has half of his beer left, as he begins to make his exit — running into Ogilbee on his way out.
The two give each other a hug.
Kenyon has known the sales and marketing director since she was just a year old.
He’s been close to her grandparents for decades.
They met when they were bowling on the same league.
That’s just one of the many lifelong friendship Kenyon says he’s formed because of Pin Chasers and bowling.
Published June 05, 2019
