Primrose Lanes wanted to be up everyone’s alley in 2023, when Team Market Group was in the midst of transitioning the historic Milk District bowling alley into a facility that would function as an alley, cafe, restaurant and bar with a more sophisticated menu and cocktail program.
But despite barraging the kitchen’s doors with a killer menu from executive chef Jason Campbell and the internet raving about its overpriced homemade hot dogs, it’s struggled to find its magical footing.
As the coffee shop found success as a sportsbook lounge with big screens and comfy seating, and as critically acclaimed menus like smoked prime rib sandwiches and short rib pastrami gave way to simpler hits like the award-winning Smashburger, the space’s team — complete with a gorgeous bar, a live DJ two nights a week, and a pro shop transformed into a private karaoke lounge with regular reservations — began to realize what customers wanted.
They’re betting their brand new roller skating rink is one of them.
“When D1 Training left the space next door owned by TMG, we had some ideas in mind,” general manager Danny Somal told the Orlando Sentinel. TMG partner Daniel Mawardi theorized that links could be the answer.
“We went to all the other roller skating rinks in the area, and there were great things happening there,” he explains. “They were busy Wednesday night…and busy Friday morning.” Repeat visits confirmed that it wasn’t just a fluke.
Astro Skate Center on Goldenrod Road was hosting great night games with adults, but Semoran Skateway was strictly confined to families, he said.
They decided the Primrose Lanes rink would be run a little differently, although it would be less than half the size of either rink, but would be fun, funky and bright, with a sense of continuity by reusing the same vintage bowling decor.
While traditional rinks charge a fee, Primrose only charges guests (of any age, any time) to skate.
“If you want to go to the karaoke room or hang out at the bar, or if only a few people in your group want to skate but you want to hang out and watch them skate, there’s no extra charge.”
Additionally, while “time limits” are the norm at most skate centers and rental fees are high, at Primrose, prices ($15 Sunday through Thursday, $20 Friday through Saturday) are affordable all day long.
“If you wear a wristband, you can skate in the morning, come back in the evening and skate again.”
Primrose Lanes’ full menu is available in the kitchen and bar, as well as four new dishes from culinary wizard Nick Greco to celebrate the new space: Brussels Sprout Appetizer, Crispy Onion Side, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, and Ribeye Steak Sandwich.
Catering packages for children’s and adult parties are popular at the Lane and are expected to be popular here as well. This is a space for all ages, says Soumaru.
“On weekends, it becomes this great destination with big kids parties from early morning until late at night, as the CFLA grounds across the street are open to customers after 5 p.m.,” he explains. “We’ve always been a great stop for people coming in for a drink before going elsewhere, but we want to be a one-stop shop with a sports book, arcade, bowling, bar, restaurant and now a skating rink.”
Groups such as Orlando’s Rollin’ Queens and Daytona Beach’s Dancing Skater Group have already stopped by for Rolling Recon, Somal said.
“A young woman who is part of the U.S. national skating team was practicing here Saturday morning. “It’s so fun to see everyone.”
And we welcome them all.
“It took me a while to understand what Primrose is, but I talk to all my guests and always ask what could make this better. We have a menu that makes sense. We know what our identity is. We’re a class of bowling and a bar,” he admits.
And now it’s skating.
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If you go
Primrose Lanes: 400 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando, primroselanes.com
