Village Lanes Bowling Center in Leesburg surely left many fond memories in locals’ heads. But it was likely the 24 lanes that left an impression, not the dining. Scott Carpenter, Charlie Beach, and Paul Ferrari purchased the 17,000-square-foot family fun center last August and have been renovating it ever since. When it opens next month as The Branch, it will be with a logo that says “Eat, Play, Roll” in that order. Carpenter and Beach, owners of Carpenter Beach Construction and reclaimed-lumber business, Local Wood, have moved their wood sales into an area of the building that once took up eight of the original lanes. The rest of the square footage is given over to fun–including dining.
To that end, they’ve hired general manager Vaughn Gatling, who long filled the same role at Middleburg Tennis Club. He’s joined by former Middleburg Tennis Club chef Manuel Alvarez. The team is behind a menu that will satisfy bowlers, but also bring in customers who simply want to dine. There’s devoted indoor seating with an impressive blue-lit bar, but also outdoor dining. Inside, an arcade will keep kids amused before they eat, while outside, cornhole is on the menu.
But what of the food? Gatling says that the cuisine is resolutely American, which means a little bit of everything. Casual diners will be treated to salads, sandwiches, wraps, and pastas. However, those willing to spend a little more will find a bill of fare that includes New York strip, salmon, and sea bass. “We’ll also do what we call ‘lane foods,’ lighter foods,” Gatling adds. Those include classics like chicken fingers and sliders, but also shareables like coconut shrimp, egg rolls, and a charcuterie board centered around a 24-inch pretzel.
Gatling says that The Branch will likely open in the second or third week of June, “probably right after Father’s Day.” Follow its progress on its Facebook page by clicking here. // 49 Catoctin Cir. SE, Leesburg
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