PRESTON — Pop'N Pins Lanes has new ownership after its previous owner decided to retire, ensuring the local bowling alley will remain open.

Sawyer Hemsley of Hemsley Ventures purchased the bowling alley at 411 S. Highway 91 to prevent it from closing, said Tana Checketts, who manages the facility with her husband, Chad.

"He loves this town and he loves bowling," Checketts said. "He wanted to purchase the alley to keep it up and running. It's kind of nostalgic and special to Preston."

The former owner, Delra Talbot, owned Pop'N Pins Lanes for several years before selling it. He later repurchased the business but ultimately decided to retire.

"He's getting older and doesn't want to keep doing it," Checketts said. "It was just getting harder for him."

Hemsley owns several businesses in Preston under the Hemsley Ventures umbrella, including Polar Bear Eats, Peach Grove House and Crust Club. Checketts works for Hemsley at Polar Bear Eats and other Preston locations.

"I work for Sawyer," Checketts said. "I do Polar Bear Eats and some of the other things he has here in Preston."

Checketts and her husband, both Preston natives, are eager to manage Pop'N Pins Lanes and support local businesses.

"We're excited," Checketts said. "We love the community and giving back. It's fun to be a part of it."

The bowling alley is undergoing necessary maintenance under its new ownership. The roof has been replaced due to leaks, and the facility has acquired new shoes and bowling balls.

"We want it to be a fun place for families to hang out," Checketts said. "We've got new shoes and new bowling balls. We're just making improvements as we go."

Checketts said she appreciates Hemsley's commitment to creating family-friendly venues in Preston.

"There's not a lot to do in Preston," Checketts said. "We have a lot of empty buildings on Main Street. He just wants to make places families can enjoy."