This feature is part of KNAU’s Unmapped Route 66 series, exploring the iconic road’s history and current stories as it reaches its 100th anniversary.
On a typical Wednesday afternoon at Starlite Lanes, located on the famous Route 66 in Flagstaff, almost all the lanes are busy.
Families and coworkers alike enjoy the lanes, with pins crashing rhythmically in a symphony reminiscent of ocean waves.
Ron Getto, who owns the bowling alley with his wife since 2010, stands proudly, overlooking the scene from the stairs.
He mentions, “Where we are right now is on the concourse of our small 16-lane boutique center that’s been operating here on Route 66 since 1957.”
At his side is Althea, a German shepherd and the establishment’s mascot, who keeps a watchful eye on the surroundings.
Opened in 1957, Starlite Lanes is the second-oldest bowling establishment in Arizona, thriving even as many others have closed since the mid-1960s.
Richard Alun Davis / KNAU
Starlite Lanes’ continued success can largely be attributed to Getto, who has significantly invested in the center since acquiring it. Despite his business acumen, Getto’s Long Island accent remains, reflecting his roots.
“The last time I bowled, and this is no joke, probably not in the last three years, not once,” Getto admits, highlighting his focus on business rather than the sport itself.
His background on Wall Street before the 2008 financial downturn led him to explore new ventures, eventually buying the bowling alley after seeing its potential amid a declining number of alleys across the nation.
Richard Alun Davis / KNAU
Getto reflects, “More people wanted to bowl, and yet, bowling alleys were slowly disappearing. And I just saw, as a trained economist during my college days, when demand outstrips supply, that’s a pretty good time to buy.”
This journey was unexpected for him, considering his East Coast Ivy League background.
Continuing the tradition of unique career paths, Starlite’s original owner was an NFL player. Now, Chris Stewart serves as the general manager, a position he took on after a career in natural gas and a passion for bowling.
Richard Alun Davis / KNAU
Stewart’s journey into the management role began in 2022 when Getto unexpectedly offered him the position, eventually grooming him as a successor.
Stewart reflects on the honor, saying, “For him to see something in me that says, ‘You’re the guy.’ When the day comes that we sign over that and he turns over the keys will probably be one of, if not, the biggest accomplishments in my life.”
Until then, Getto finds joy in the everyday life of the bowling alley, something he couldn’t experience on Wall Street.
“I walk outside my office and I get to see everybody having a great time, and occasionally, meltdown on aisle six,” he remarks with a smile.
KNAU’s Richard Alun Davis contributed to this story.
—
Read More Arizona News
