Hollywood Bowl has posted strong results over the summer as more people stayed in the UK for holidays.
After reopening in May, the group said it was “well ahead” of expectations and sales over August jumped 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels in August 2019.
Stephen Burns, chief executive of Hollywood Bowl Group, commented on the results: “I am delighted at the pace and strength of our recovery since reopening.”
“It has been fantastic to welcome our customers back in record numbers, and to see families and friends enjoying their time in our bowling and mini-golf centres once again.”
Between May 17 to September 30, like-for-like growth was 29%.
Commenting on the results, AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould, said: “Hollywood Bowl has posted a strike with its latest trading update. Boosted by people taking their holidays in the UK during a somewhat soggy summer, revenue has notably beaten pre-Covid levels by a sizeable margin since the chain reopened in May.
“Thanks to a tight control on costs, profitability is also significantly improved, and this provides the impetus to press ahead with a plan to add 14 to 18 new sites by 2024, supported by a strong cash position.
“It seems ten-pin bowling is an activity people feel safe doing as we emerge from the pandemic. Despite being indoors, it is a well-controlled environment with a decent amount of space to observe social distancing,” he added.