“It’s a good, family-oriented business, and it’s just fun,” Davidson said, noting Max Bowl also has locations in Port Arthur and Baytown.
Prior to taking over the business in 2006, Davidson had previously been employed as a software salesman, which he said was not all that different from running the bowling alley.
“It’s a people business,” Davidson said. “When I was [in] sales, I was selling a widget or ... software, but now I’m selling fun. It’s a little bit easier to sell.”
According to Davidson, Max Bowl was completely remodeled in 2014 to add about 13,000 square feet of space, which now houses the arcade and ropes course. He said many of the games in the arcade are cycled out every few years to make sure patrons have something new and exciting to play.
Davidson said Max Bowl’s newest attraction, a golf simulator that allows users to hit real golf balls covered in small sensors into a large screen depicting a course, has been gaining traction in the community.
“We have a full 1,000 courses you can actually play,” Davidson said. “You have a driving range where you can hit practice balls, and it measures distance, height and spin rates.”
Victoria Vincent, who is in charge of marketing and sales at each Max Bowl location, said parties and private events are another popular offering at the bowling alley.
“We can do corporate events, birthday parties, lock-ins. ... We can do it all really,” Vincent said.
According to Davidson, Max Bowl took a slight hit when businesses were forced to shut down statewide in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he said the commitment of dedicated bowlers helped the business bounce back quickly.
“We were really lucky,” he said. “Our leagues couldn’t stand to stay away.”••Vincent said Max Bowl has several offerings for competitive bowlers, including leagues designated for adults, seniors and youth.
“The great thing about the youth league is that you can get college scholarship funds, too,” Vincent said, noting all the fees paid into the youth league are doled out as scholarships at the end of the season.
During the summer, Vincent said each Max Bowl location offers a program that allows youth members to bowl two free games per day Monday through Friday. All they need to pay for is their shoes, she said.
Looking back at his time spent running the family entertainment business, Davidson said he most enjoys being able to be a part of the Humble community.
“Being locally owned and operated, we feel like we’re part of the community, and we’re trying to keep it going like that,” Davidson said.
Max Bowl
2390 Wilson Road, Humble
281-540-2800
www.maxbowl.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight, Sun. noon-10 p.m.
