Kent Bowl was built during the bowling boom of the 50’s in 1958. It was started by seven shareholders including a doctor, a lawyer, an accountant and others. At the time, livestock grazed in pastures next to the bowling alley. It began with 24 lanes, just three employees and not even a snack bar when Jack “Zab” Zaborac took it over in 1962. For the next dozen years, Zab and his wife, Vivian, turned the business into a bowling haven. They started with a small house tournament with 150 bowlers. Their business went sky high, when they added 8 more lanes in 1976. One year they had 8,900 entries over a 16-week period.  It was one of the largest tournaments west of the Mississippi.  Kent Bowl became known as a place for serious bowling, with demanding conditions and tough competition. Kent Bowl has maintained a safe and friendly family-oriented setting for many years and continues to do so. It has also operated a bowling program for individuals with disabilities of all ages for over 50 years. In addition, Kent Bowl has supported youth bowling through its Jr. Leagues and tournaments and providing instruction for beginners.

Zab passed away in November 2015 at the age of 90, but up until his death was actively involved in the operations of Kent Bowl, including making upgrades to the establishment. It was Zab’s dream that Kent should always have a bowling center; a safe and fun place where families could play together.

Dennis, one of Zab’s sons, kept the business running for the next 9 years following Zab’s death until, at the age of 75 in 2024, Dennis sold the business to Jason Mitchell and his family. The Mitchell family hopes to continue the legacy that the Zaborac family started and keep Kent Bowl operating in a wonderful way for many years to come. We wish to honor the Zaborac family for the excellent legacy they created here in Kent.

One thing that Dennis started after the death of his father, as a way to honor his father, is a free bowling day (2 free games and free shoe rental all day) to all who come on Thanksgiving day. This first occurred in 2015 and has occurred every year since and is a great day to bring your family and enjoy time together.