By Allison Peck
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Golf simulators, an expanded arcade, upgraded laser tag and the return of axe throwing could be coming to Wild Bill’s Wings and Bowling under a proposed $500,000 project headed before North Platte’s Quality Growth Fund Citizens Review Committee.
The committee will consider a request Tuesday for a $500,000 performance-based loan from Wild Bill’s Wings and Bowling. Under the proposed arrangement, the loan could eventually be forgiven and converted into a grant if the project meets its required terms and conditions.
The proposal is tied to both a change in ownership and a major investment in the future of the longtime North Platte entertainment center.
According to the business plan submitted with the application, $150,000 of the requested funding would go toward an ownership transition. Shawn Hofstetter and April Suhr would purchase the combined ownership interest currently held by Lonnie and Kelly Parsons.
The proposed ownership group would include Gary Suhr with a 26 percent interest, Christina Suhr with 25 percent, April Suhr with 25 percent and Hofstetter with 24 percent.
The remaining funding would be used for new attractions and improvements throughout the facility.
The proposal includes:
- $100,000 to expand the arcade and add new games
- $50,000 to modernize the laser tag area
- $50,000 for two golf simulator bays
- $100,000 to enclose the patio area for the golf simulators
- $50,000 for a self-pour beverage center
The business plan also outlines plans to bring back axe throwing and continue expanding opportunities for birthday parties, corporate events and other group gatherings.
Wild Bill’s currently combines bowling, arcade games and other family entertainment with Godfather’s Pizza and a snack bar. The proposed investment is aimed at expanding those offerings and helping position the business as a year-round entertainment destination for North Platte and the surrounding area.
The application notes Wild Bill’s is the only bowling alley serving a wide region around North Platte. The business currently employs 18 people, and the proposal anticipates creating or retaining three additional jobs within 18 months.
The $500,000 request represents roughly 20 percent of the overall project, according to the application.