Jason Mathiasen embodies bowling heritage, a legacy deeply rooted in his family history. “My dad’s family grew up in bowling,” Mathiasen recounts, tracing back to his grandfather’s ownership of Lee’s Lanes (also known as Dee’s Lanes) in St. Cloud. This family immersion in bowling paved the way for Mathiasen’s destiny as the proprietor of in Sartell, a venture that felt inherently right.
Following in the footsteps of his parents, Lyle and Barb Mathiasen, who acquired Great River Bowl in 1984 from Dave Guggenberger, a prominent Sartell businessman, was a natural progression. Lyle, a dedicated St. Cloud city employee, managed operations at the Municipal Athletic Complex and River’s Edge Convention Center. Barb contributed her expertise at the College of St. Benedict for many years.
“When my parents purchased Great River Bowl, they were both employed full-time. My dad dedicated his weekends to managing the books, a commitment he upheld for 35 years without drawing a salary,” Mathiasen recalls. “My initial role here was cleaning the premises with my mom on Sunday mornings.”
In 2022, the elder Mathiasens passed the torch, selling Great River Bowl to Jason and his wife, Mari, marking a new chapter in the family business.
Mathiasen’s connection to Great River Bowl & Partners Pub extends back to his high school years when he started behind the counter. His roles evolved to cook and bartender while working for his parents. After a brief stint as an elementary teacher in St. Cloud’s District 742, a layoff in 2003 redirected his path back to the family business.
“The need for another full-time staff member became apparent as events here began to flourish,” Mathiasen explains. “The more time I spent here, the clearer it became that help was needed, leading to my full-time commitment in 2004. I’ve been here ever since.”
Enhancements and Evolution of Great River Bowl
Originally a 16-lane bowling alley with a snack bar, Great River Bowl has transformed over 45 years into a comprehensive entertainment destination. The Mathiasen family has consistently reinvested in the bowling facilities and expanded Partners Pub through a significant remodeling in 2018.
A pivotal $20,000 investment in glow-in-the-dark bowling in 1996 remains a popular attraction. The late 1990s saw the introduction of automated scoring and a complete refurbishment of the main alley. Eight additional lanes were added in 2000, followed by “The Fabulous Suite Lanes” in 2010—an 11,000-square foot expansion featuring eight lanes, a dedicated bar, perfect for corporate events and birthday celebrations.
“My father’s philosophy was continuous improvement, aiming to introduce something new annually to demonstrate our reinvestment in the business,” Mathiasen shares. “We often undertook projects ourselves, from updating wallpaper and paint to carpeting. The 1999 renovation was transformative, modernizing and refreshing the entire space.”
Lyle Mathiasen’s final major project was the 2018 renovation of Partners Pub. The renovation revitalized the space, enhancing its appeal as a local gathering spot within Great River Bowl.
“It was time for a refresh,” Jason acknowledges. “My dad’s experience managing city projects in St. Cloud, particularly the River’s Edge Convention Center, was invaluable in planning and executing these improvements. His impact on downtown St. Cloud and projects like the Convention Center has been substantial.”
Great River Bowl & Partners Pub Today
While recreational bowling remains central to Great River Bowl’s operations, league participation has evolved over the past two decades. Leagues for men, women, mixed groups, seniors, and juniors (ages 5-21) still thrive, but adapting to modern family schedules is crucial.
To foster the sport’s future, Mathiasen emphasizes a Saturday morning youth league and the “Pins and Pints” league, designed for casual bowlers. This innovative league blends fun with local brewery features, attracting new bowlers in a relaxed setting.
“The youth league’s Saturday morning format offers flexibility, and we provide instructors to teach bowling fundamentals and etiquette,” Mathiasen notes. “It’s popular, but long-term engagement remains our focus.”
“Each league offers a unique atmosphere. Our senior league is purely for enjoyment, a social afternoon activity. ‘Pins and Pints’ is incredibly inclusive—skill level is irrelevant,” he adds.
Great River Bowl is embracing technology with an upcoming online check-in system for lane reservations and QR code ordering for food and drinks from Partners Pub directly from the bowling lanes. “The Fabulous Suite Lanes” are already available for online booking for events.
Looking ahead, Great River Bowl & Partners Pub plans to introduce arcade games, blending classic and contemporary options to enhance family appeal and attract gamers.
“We aim to create a space where parents can relax at Partners Pub while their children enjoy arcade games,” Mathiasen states. “We are always innovating and seeking new ways to enhance the experience.”
Jason Mathiasen expresses deep pride in his family’s legacy at Great River Bowl & Partners Pub in Sartell, regardless of ongoing enhancements.
The Mathiasen family tradition extends to Jason and Mari’s three sons: Colby, Zach, and Will, all contributing to Great River Bowl. Colby works during winter, Zach assists during college breaks, and Will also works when time allows, reinforcing the family’s enduring connection to the business.
“It’s a daily commitment, but words can’t fully express what Sartell and Great River Bowl & Partners Pub mean to me,” Mathiasen reflects. “It’s a true family legacy, navigating both challenges and triumphs since 1984. Our footprint has nearly doubled, and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve become.”
Visit Great River Bowl & Partners Pub
Location: 208 Second St. S, Sartell
Contact: 320-253-2910 or [email protected]
Website: www.greatriverbowl.com
