Orland Bowl Considering Final Frame After Developer Offers To Buy

ORLAND PARK, IL — Despite rumors rolling around social media last week, Orland Bowl owners told Patch they're not selling the decades-old alley just yet, but said they're facing a split after a developer offered to buy the property.

Manager Terri Burns said that while an offer was made by a developer looking to purchase the site at 8601 West 159th Street, nothing will be definitive until after the leagues housed at Orland Bowl finish their seasons.

The building also houses two other businesses, Mickadoon's and Escapology. As of Tuesday, a spokesperson for Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau said village officials were not aware of the potential sale, meaning a developer has not filed to zone or redevelop the area.

Currently, Orland Bowl is run by the three sons of its former owner, Mike Halleran. The brothers took over the business decades after their father and his brother purchased the property in 1974, according to the company's website.

In 1983, Orland Bowl expanded from 32 lanes to 50 lanes, adding the pizza restaurant and Escapology. Timothy, Mickey and Dennis Halleran own the last of only a few locations left to bowl in the area though they're weighing their options.

"Do I hope it goes through?" Mickey Halleran told the Daily Southtown. "Yeah, I want to retire. I'd be a liar if I tell you different."

According to Carla Erdey, communications director of District 230, the bowling coaches at Sandburg and Andrew high schools are looking for a new alley to practice at starting in the winter of 2022.