Today we’d like to introduce you to Dale Shwartz. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Dale Schwartz grew up in Cleveland, OH with a love and passion for bowling. His whole childhood, he dreamed of opening his own bowling alley, however it wasn’t until many years later that the dream would become a reality. He attended college and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University before receiving a Masters in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School. From there, he pursued a career in business that spanned nearly 30 years, working in different industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and even an asphalt seal coating company. All the while, bowling was always in the back of his mind. In 1989, he coined the name “Pinstripes” with the intention of one day opening a bowling alley, but that dream did not come to fruition until 2007 in Chicago, where he pursued his passion and opened the first location. Since then, Pinstripes has grown and expanded to over 14 locations across the United States. Dale isn’t slowing down, as he has plans to continue to open locations in new markets globally.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When pivoting his career, Dale faced new challenges, but large and small. Since the company launched in 2007, opening the second location in South Barrington was a challenge as the recession was taking over the country. In 2020, COVID-19 presented a huge challenge that had to be navigated, which was typical of all restaurants during that period.
As you know, we’re big fans of Pinstripes. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Pinstripes is a massive entertainment venue offering chef-driven dining, bowling, and bocce. The experiential hot spot immerses diners in an elevated culinary experience in the ground floor “bistro.” Unlike other bowling alley settings, food comes first at Pinstripes, with an expansive food and beverage menu featuring an enticing selection of fresh seasonal entreés and hand-crafted cocktails. The expansive space has an eclectic display of abstract art, floor-to-ceiling, and fireplaces. With restaurant-style seating, guests chow down at a booth or a table surrounding the bar or in front of one of the many big-screen TVs broadcasting major sporting events. Pinstripes has bocce courts and bowling lanes with vintage-style bowling balls and shoes. The second level also offers a bar serving cocktails, beer, and wine. With 14 locations, Pinstripes recently opened at Westfield Topanga in Los Angeles.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
According to Dale, the best things in life don’t come easy! Life is an adventure filled with ups and downs. Perseverance is key. Unless you keep going, you’re not going to enjoy the end result. You also have to love what you do. Having passion makes it easier to work hard and keep sticking with it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pinstripes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinstripesbbb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PinstripesBBB
Image Credits
Credit: Pinstripes
