Spencerport Bowl, the area’s iconic bowling alley, began in the early 1960s when Nicholas Tantalo built the town’s only bowling alley on farmland he owned. His grandson, Michael Progno, began managing the 16-lane bowling alley in the 1970s. It was leased out for a period in the ‘80s, but the Progno family took it back in 1993 and continues running Spencerport Bowl today.
Throughout most of the past 80 years, Spencerport Bowl provided the bowlers and the community with hot food and beverages. Providing freshly prepared food ended abruptly during the pandemic. “Covid shut our kitchen down,” said Spencer Progno, manager of Spencerport Bowl. Recently, Spencerport Bowl brought food services back into the alley and the community through a partnership with Frank Vicaretti of Red Osier Brands.
Vicaretti, a Spencerport resident, owns the rights to Red Osier Brands for the distribution of their legendary foods as well as Cheesy Eddie’s desserts. For several years, Vicaretti has been bringing these local favorites to the area’s biggest events, such as the Jazz Festival and the Lilac Festival. Sammies and Sweets is the name of the food catering company that Vicaretti owns and operates throughout the county. In addition to the events, they provide catering and meal delivery with the Red Osier Brands from their Henrietta location.
Last fall, Frank contacted the Progno family to discuss bringing the Red Osier and Cheesy Eddie’s foods into the bowling alley. “I was happy to bring Red Osier foods in the alley,” said Spencer Progno. “We can only eat so much pizza,” he laughed.
As fall leagues began, the food services also resumed after several years. “Now leagues come in early and grab a hot Red Osier roast beef sandwich before bowling,” said Vicaretti. In addition to the Red Osier foods and Cheesy Eddie’s desserts, Vicaretti and his team also serve bowler favorites like chicken nuggets, French fries, nachos, and warm pretzels.
Vicaretti also provides catering, home delivery, and take-out orders from their new location in Spencerport. “We have delicious meal packs with Red Osier roast beef, au jus, and desserts available for delivery throughout the entire county.“ See http://www.sammiesnsweets.com for catering information.
“This has been great, bringing people back in to eat, and they can even take their meal to the bar and have a drink with it,” said Spencer. Red Osier Brands is currently in the area where the ice cream shop is located during the summer months. The full kitchen is being remodeled, and Vicaretti plans to move into the newly updated kitchen soon.
Open bowling is also making a comeback, according to the Prognos. They offer open bowling every weekday evening, except Tuesday, as well as weekends. “Bowling is such a great family activity. It is good to see the families together, and now we can provide bowling with good food,” said Progno.
For more information on Spencerport Bowl, their events, hours, and food offerings, go to http://spencerportbowl.com or see their Facebook page. For coupons and exclusive offers from Red Osier Brands at Spencerport Bowl, see their ad in this publication.
