Bigfork resident opens a new bar at Pick's Bowling Center

Poker and keno machines, a pool table, bar stools, and neon signs filled the back corner of Pick’s Bowling Center but no beer has been poured since the center lost its liquor license in January.

This is where Bigfork’s Laura Pace stepped in and took a chance on opening her new bar, “Chances.”

“I just wanted to take a chance on something and I had the opportunity to apply to the license,” Pace said. “It took almost six months to get it. I didn’t want to see the bowling alley just disappear.”

With 15 gambling machines, the name of the bar might seem like a play on the casino aspect but Pace said it’s all in reference to her taking a chance.

“I felt I was taking a chance, I wanted a chance to succeed and I want the public to give me a chance,” Pace said. “I like all the people in town and want them to come in and enjoy themselves, do some bowling and enjoy some drinks. There’s not too many places you can do that kind of thing in Bigfork.”

Although Chances and Pick’s are under the same roof, they are entirely separate businesses. Pace isn’t an active bowler, but she recognized the benefits of opening Chances within the bowling center, all the amenities were already set up and customers are able to use both facilities.

Pace said everything flowed together as she was setting up the bar. She also said that Donna Lawson at The Jug Tree was a big help in getting her bar stocked with a wide selection of drinks.

Chances opened on May 30 and the grand opening is set for sometime this month. Their hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to midnight on weekends.

Prior to owning and operating Chances, Pace worked for the bowling center for 13 years as a bartender and casino operator. She also worked at The Paradise bar and casino, now known as The Jackpot. Overall she has 19 years of experience working with bars and casinos.

Although she was working for the bowling center when they lost their liquor license, she said she was not present when the violations were made.

One chance that Pace isn’t taking is on risking loosing her newly acquired liquor license. Pace and her staff of three are adamant about making sure no alcohol will be served to anyone under 21 years old.

“We passed our first sting last week, we are carding everyone,” Pace said. “The past is the past and I hope the future will turn out well for me.”