Buffalo's Kerns Avenue Bowling Center Celebrates 18 Years as New York's Only Black-Owned Bowling Alley

The bowling center, which was nearly shuttered, has become a hub for community connection and youth programs under owner Daniel Adams.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Kerns Avenue Bowling Center in Buffalo, New York has been a community gathering spot for decades, but 18 years ago it was nearly shut down. That's when Daniel Adams stepped in to purchase the bowling alley, making it the only Black-owned bowling center in the state. Adams saw the bowling alley as an opportunity to provide a space for the community, especially local youth. Now, his daughter Kimberly is taking over as general manager and plans to launch a bowling league in honor of her late nephew.

Why it matters

The survival and growth of Kerns Avenue Bowling Center represents the perseverance of Black-owned businesses and the importance of community spaces, especially for youth, in neighborhoods that may lack access to such resources. As the only Black-owned bowling alley in New York, it serves as an important symbol of representation and opportunity.

The details

When the previous owner was preparing to shut down Kerns Avenue Bowling Center 18 years ago, Daniel Adams stepped in to purchase the alley and keep it open for the community. Adams saw the bowling alley as a versatile space that could host events, leagues, and activities for families and youth. Despite the challenges of running a bowling business, Adams has remained committed to keeping Kerns Avenue Bowling Center alive and thriving.

  • Kerns Avenue Bowling Center was built in 1957.
  • Daniel Adams purchased the bowling alley 18 years ago, in 2008.
  • Kimberly Adams is taking over as general manager in 2026.

The players

Daniel Adams

The owner of Kerns Avenue Bowling Center, who purchased the alley 18 years ago to prevent it from shutting down and to provide a community space, especially for local youth.

Kimberly Adams

The daughter of Daniel Adams, who is taking over as the new general manager of Kerns Avenue Bowling Center and plans to launch a youth bowling league in honor of her late nephew.

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What they’re saying

“We're in a neighborhood that really had nothing and I thought that the community needed some place to go, a place to gather sports, etc. I thought that I'd give it a chance.”

— Daniel Adams, Owner, Kerns Avenue Bowling Center (WKBW)

“The thought behind the kids' bowling league is my baby nephew, 3 years old, was fatally shot and killed June 21st, 2024 and his nickname is Luckie and so we would like to have a foundation in honor of him and included in that foundation will be a bowling league for children.”

— Kimberly Adams, General Manager, Kerns Avenue Bowling Center (WKBW)

What’s next

Kerns Avenue Bowling Center plans to launch a new youth bowling league in honor of Kimberly Adams' late nephew, with the goal of providing more opportunities for local children.

The takeaway

Kerns Avenue Bowling Center's survival and evolution under Daniel Adams' ownership demonstrates the importance of community-oriented businesses, especially those owned by people of color, in providing vital resources and opportunities for underserved neighborhoods. The center's new focus on youth programming continues this mission of uplift and representation.