Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Schroeder.
Hi chad, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Originally opened in 1960 as Midway Bowl, the space has seen multiple transformations over the decades. In the early 1990s, it became Thunder Alley, introducing mini golf and shifting away from its earlier setup. By the mid-2000s, another rebrand brought in an arcade and expanded the experience even further, becoming what is now known as Thunder Alley XL. Family-owned and family-operated, in 2026 A new family took over and has brought new life into Thunder Alley XL-CJ LLC which turns Thunder Alley XL into more than just a bowling alley. It’s a full entertainment center built for all ages, today, you’ll find the building buzzing most during their weekend Moonlight Specials, where families and groups gather for late-night bowling, music, and arcade play. It’s the kind of energy that reminds you this place is still very much alive. offering bowling, arcade games, mini golf, batting cages, and a lounge space where you can sit down with a slice of Kettle River Pizza and a local brew. Over the years, the space has continued to evolve—adding new features like a pool table, digital dart board, and Touch tunes jukebox to create an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and refreshed.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth transition, going into summer we slow down fast, with that being said our mini golf and Batting cages helps a little, we have had to lay off a few employees due to lack of customer ship, the arcade is another source of income.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I started in 2019 just before covid 19 hit, right we were allowed to reopen I quickly became assistant manager, after a few months the GM was leaving putting me as the GM I have worked steady even with being short staffed, I am proud to admit I put together an amazing staff consisting of my Assistant Manager Jasmine, a wonderful Mechanic Aaron, along with Front desk staff and bar staff Lawrence, Caleb and Angel. We offer many things here at TAXL bowling packages for birthdays with pizza arcade and bowling along with mini golf packages and a sports team package. I am very proud of the team I put together
What are your plans for the future?
I would love to add a volleyball court, to enhance the outdoor activities along upgrading the arcade, which is needed desperately, we are looking Forword to hosting our fall/winter leagues with our newer lane machine’s that have been fully rebuilt from the ground up with our amazing mechanic
Pricing:
- open bowl 8.00 + shoe rental Fri – Sat
- Thursday 3.00 + shoe rental game
- Wed special 6.00 shoes included 2:30pm -5:00pm
- 2.00 + shoe rental Tuesday
- after church special 6.00 per includes shoes after that its 3.00 a game + shoe rental’s
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thunderalleyxl.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thunder.alleyxl
- Other: thunderalleyxlcj@gmail.com
