Bowling Alleys Transform into Vibrant Family Entertainment Hubs in France and Canada

Entrepreneur Mathieu Huppé has spearheaded a major reinvention of the traditional bowling alley in Pointe-aux-Trembles, investing $4 million to transform BoulZeye into a multifaceted family entertainment center. Since taking ownership in 2007, Huppé shifted focus from traditional bowling leagues—which now contribute only 2% of revenue, down from 70%—to new attractions like laser tag, escape rooms, and arcade games. He retains only four bowling leagues, scheduling them during off-peak hours, and fosters collaboration both within his team of 70 employees and with other local bowling venues. Despite a recent 6% revenue decrease linked to rising living costs, Huppé remains optimistic, committing $300,000 annually to community support and planning expansion with a second location in 2026 and four centers within ten years around Montreal.

Meanwhile, France is witnessing a new wave of entertainment transformation with the upcoming opening of Square Games in Blagnac on December 5, 2025. Spanning 3,200 square meters, it promises to be the leading connected entertainment venue in Occitanie. Key features include EVA virtual reality gaming, BattleKart that blends electric karting with augmented reality, and Bomb Squad, a team-based action game. Additional offerings comprise augmented reality darts, gaming consoles, billiards, foosball, and arcade machines, alongside a bar with a giant screen for sports and e-sports broadcasts. Regular tournaments and corporate packages aim to boost engagement and team experiences.

These developments underline a strategic shift in leisure and entertainment, moving beyond traditional formats to diversified, technology-enhanced, and community-oriented family destinations.