Voltaire Beach House has a new addition coming: a bowling alley.
Hoping to capitalize on a recent resurgence of the sport, Voltaire Beach House general manager Gabriel Shantz said the time was ripe for expansion, but added all the details have yet to be worked out.
“We’re still in the design phase, but it’s happening, though we haven’t broken ground on it yet,” Shantz said. “We’re hoping to open the end of summer.”
Shantz added the new enterprise, to be named OB Lanes, “will have four bowling lanes and will be part of Voltaire Beach House, though it will be separate.”
Shantz pointed out bowling has broad appeal. “There is a bit of nostalgia for bowling, and a dual bar-restaurant and bowling alley, like East Village Tavern and Bowl (downtown San Diego) has this draw,” he said, noting bowling alleys appeal to large groups. 
“It’s a fun, interactive game to play,” Shantz said, adding businesses these days are catering to people who love playing games of all types.
“If it’s done right, it can work very well,” he said adding bowling, food and beverages go well together. “You stimulate them with some engaging games, and serve them food and alcohol in a great environment.”
Voltaire Beach House opened in January 2017 at 4934 Voltaire St. in a retail space formerly inhabited by O’Bistro Cafe.
Shantz said the OB Lanes addition will about double the size of the existing Voltaire Beach House. Tentative plans also call for adding more indoor-outdoor seating as well as another bar. Fire pits, swings, interactive party games, live music and sports viewing have all been mentioned as possible amenities to be included at OB Lanes.
The ownership group of Voltaire Beach House also owns Florent Restaurant & Lounge, Double Deuce and Whiskey Girl in the Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego.
Plans call for OB Lanes to have its own separate, seasonal menu featuring appetizers and finger foods.