The award-winning owners of the bowling alley and bar have their sights set on a new space this year.
The new Star Lanes is coming to Columbus near the Ohio State campus, per a report from Columbus Business First. The address has not been confirmed as brothers Doug and Jeff Mechling are still finalizing picking a site. The team is looking to open the new location sometime in mid-to-late 2027.
Star Lanes first opened their 35,000-square-foot boutique bowling venue in 2013 at 8655 Lyra Drive next to Polis Fashion Place. The space offers bowling, arcade games, billiards, darts and even a 4D theater ride. Also included is a restaurant and bar addition with craft beers and cocktails.
“Food and beverage is the driver,” Doug told What Now Columbus.
The menu features staples like pizzas, burgers, wings and shareables, such as chips and queso and hand-battered corn dogs. For their second concept, Doug said they are again working with an executive chef to introduce some new dishes that are creative and upscale. A full menu will be released closer to the opening.
Doug and Jeff are locals of the Columbus area, with the goal to bring families and friends out to enjoy the many games that are offered. Star Lanes also features party rooms that can accommodate up to 16 guests. Their company recently won recognition at the Amusement Expo in Las Vegas, winning 2026 Family Entertainment Center Location of the Year.
“We want families, friends and corporate groups to be able to walk in, rent a lane and have a blast,” says an excerpt from their website.
Star Lanes is already in conversation with Ohio State to evaluate new sites, and the new venue will be around 30,000 square feet. Doug said he and Jeff are looking to fill the gap of entertainment centers in the Columbus area.
“They have a great commercial base there in terms of other corporations,” Doug said.
The official address and opening date are expected to be released in the coming months, and What Now Columbus will update this article with relevant information.
