Woodmere Lanes and Backstage, a 20-lane bowling and entertainment center operating at 948 Broadway in Woodmere, New York, since 1960, is transitioning to new local ownership under a fully kosher and shomer Shabbos operational model. The venue anchors the Five Towns neighborhood, which maintains one of the densest observant Jewish populations in the United States and features more than 85 establishments certified by the local Vaad.
Shabbos Observance and Weekly Operating Schedule
Under the new ownership structure, Woodmere Lanes and Backstage will close for Friday afternoon and all of Saturday to adhere to Shabbos, reopening Saturday night immediately following Shabbos conclusion. According to operational plans, the facility will run Sunday through Friday afternoon, providing families and local organizations with an entertainment option that accommodates religious scheduling constraints for weekend and evening events.
Operating hours are scheduled for Sundays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. for motzei Shabbos crowds.
Strictly Kosher Food Certification Under the Local Vaad
The entire food service operation at the venue is bringing its menu under the strict kosher supervision of the Vaad Hakashrus of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway. While the bowling alley previously offered limited kosher pizza options for parties and hosted community gatherings over the years, the full transition standardizes the dining options for visitors who require certified kosher establishments.
Impact on the Five Towns Family Entertainment Market
The shift addresses a long-standing void in the Five Towns community, where observant families previously had to travel outside the neighborhood or plan around schedule limitations for bowling, league play, and group events. While the local kosher dining scene experiences frequent shifts—such as the arrival of new concepts and the closure of short-lived outposts like the Crave location in Woodmere—a dedicated entertainment venue integrating both kashrus and Shabbos observance represents a permanent infrastructural addition to Broadway.
Did You Know? Woodmere Lanes has operated continuously on Broadway since 1960, serving generations of local families with cosmic bowling, lunch counter service, and arcade areas before this comprehensive religious and operational reboot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact operating hours of Woodmere Lanes and Backstage?
The venue is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Who provides the kosher certification for the venue?
All food operations are certified strictly kosher under the Vaad Hakashrus of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway.
Where is the entertainment center located?
The facility is situated at 948 Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598.
Does the venue close for Shabbos?
Yes, the establishment closes on Friday afternoons and remains closed through Saturday until motzei Shabbos, when it reopens at 9 p.m.
To discover more kosher dining establishments and community resources, download the KosherNearMe app at YeahThatsKosher.com/app. Share your thoughts on this new neighborhood addition in the comments below.