My gal pal Lisa Johnson (pink shirt left below) who lives far from me had missed me during Covid. She texted me out of the blue one day to come join her for some networking fun at a place called Pinstripes in Norwalk, CT. Her gal pal Sherry who I love, (middle of the three gals) had taken over the Director Of Sales position there.
I’d never heard of Pinstripes. Sounded to me like it might be a baseball joint or sports venue. I love my pal Lisa and missed her too. She told me to bring along my other half Dave (The only guy in the photo next to me. I’m in the white jacket). Dave and I said what the heck and took the ride for a change of pace. I’m so glad we did. We had so much fun and were so impressed with the Pinstripes (not a baseball joint) I thought some of you might want to check it out.
Pinstripes Bocce Bowling and Bistro entertainment venues started in Chicago and they’re expanding around the country. They’re all about best in class food and experiential entertainment. Norwalk, CT is their 13th location. 5 more locations are opening in N.J. and Florida. Founder and CEO Dale Schwartz was just quoted in Forbes as saying the plan is to open 100 more locations over the next 10-15 years.
The Pinstripes we went to was up on the rooftop of the brand new Norwalk, CT mall I’d heard so much about but never seen. Needless to say Malls are now betting on ‘experiences’ more than shoes to draw a crowd.
Whoever decorated Pinstripes needs to come to my house and decorate for me. Such a cool vibe. ‘Pinstripes’ in this case refer to the kind you might see in ‘classy Italian suits’. So it’s no surprise the place is classy and they serve Italian American food made from scratch. Great food, wine and drinks, but very family friendly too. Loved the choice of high and low tables and comfortable bars to dine at. You can also be served at the bowling lanes while sitting in comfortable leather couches. And there are 3 cool Bocce courts inside and one outside and the outdoor area also has a fire pit. Nice.
Let’s talk about Bowling.
I love it. I was once a kick ass bowler but it’s been 8 years since I bowled, mostly because the last time I did I snapped a body part. My then date (Dave) had to lend me his late mothers cane still in his trunk to get me out of the alley. (Completely ridiculous. ) I missed bowling and I had no clue if I’d blow another body part but I heard my own advice loud in my head, “Risk It or Regret It!”, so I stirred up some good commotion by being first to say “Let’s bowl”! Before you knew it everybody had bowling shoes on whether they were good or not, and we all had a ball. Bowling is great for camaraderie. Pinstripes encourages local businesses to use the place for just that purpose. The Norwalk location has 23 luxury lanes with full service so that’s a nice way to business bond.
Now let’s talk Bocce.
Did you know Bocce is the 3rd most participated sport in the world? Way back when, my typically low key Italian Grandma Garfield (below far left in the newspaper clipping) surprised everybody when she made the local newspapers as a contender for the Annual Sambuca Romana Bocce Tournament. I think the sadly ripped clipping is from 1981. “GG” as I called her, didn’t play any sports so our family had no idea she was a Bocce babe until we read all about her. LOL. That’s the thing about Bocce. Anybody of any age or ability can play it, and anybody can be good at it. It’s even a marquee sport in the Special Olympics. Bocce as a Special Olympics sport provides social contact.
Don’t’ know how to play bocce? No problem. Pinstripes puts out instructions and the staff will also explain how to play. The balls by the way are light, not heavy like bowling balls.
They do weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, bar & bat mitvahs and catering and they have a roof top patio. The bowling lanes can be semi private or private for any occasion including corporate team building.
You’d think from this podcast conversation with Pinstripes Sherry Wyatt that I hadn’t been anywhere exciting in a year. Truthfully like most folks, I’m just starting to get back out in the world. Now that I’m vaccinated I’m trying to see people I’ve missed and trying some new things. I loved the fun of re-connecting with my friends and loved the whole fun experience of Pinstripes which I thought was totally innovative and wanted to share it.
“People are missing not just dining but reconnecting with friends and family,” Dale Schwartz Founder and CEO of Pinstripes (FORBES)
Hi Debbie!!! Its amazing to see an introduction I made years ago brought you to dear Sherry – a sweetheart. I love seeing you do what you do best. Bravo! Will alway remember you as the Mom On The Run.