Four months after the Cullman Bowling Center was damaged by fire, the business recently reopened with new floor surfacing, all-new equipment, leather couches and other renovations, co-owner Les Sandlin said.

“Everything is completely different,” Sandlin said. “All new lanes and everything.”

Sandlin said he wanted to thank volunteers who helped to restore the center, located at 1710 Tally Ho St., after the fire.

Steve Byrum, president of the Cullman United States Bowling Congress Association, said eight bowling leagues with about 300 members frequent the Cullman Bowling Center, and many have said they are enjoying the facility more since the owners have converted it into a non-smoking establishment.

“We’ve got a really positive reaction to that from our league bowlers,” Byrum said.

Before the fire, bowlers at the Cullman Bowling Center played on traditional lanes manufactured of maple and pine. Now, phenolic panels have been installed over the lanes, which last considerably longer than maple and pine lanes and offer an advantage for bowlers.

“They never have to be resurfaced; they’re almost impervious to wear; if one would happen to get damaged you just unscrew some screws and put a new one in; they don’t burn. It’s just a much, much nicer surface,” Byrum said. “Every lane plays the same, which is not true with the wood lanes.”

Byrum said the renovated bowling center is “as modern as any place in the southeast.”

“We’re getting a little bit of a late start this year because of the fire, but the enthusiasm level is high, and we’re learning to deal with a new playing surface,” he said. “Everybody is really excited, and they really have done a first-class job down there.”

Byrum said anyone interested in joining a bowling league should contact the Cullman Bowling Center at (256) 734-2600. Cullman Bowling Center is owned by Bill A. Sandlin and his sons, Corey and Les. The Sandlins have owned the building for the past 20 years, and also own a bowling center in Anniston.

The center was built in 1976 by then owners Sam Hawkins and Alan Walker.

Cullman Bowling Center’s hours of operation are from 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, from 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Thursday, from 11 a.m.- 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and from 1 p.m.- 10 p.m. Sunday.