Family Fun Center To Open Thursday, July 12, In East Hampton

For the first time since East Hampton Bowl closed its doors in 2013, the town will welcome a new bowling alley, and with it, an expansive family fun center. The Clubhouse, a restaurant and bar complete with bocce courts, a full-fledged bowling alley and an 18-hole miniature golf course, will host its grand opening to the public, this Thursday, July 12, at 11 a.m., on the property owned and managed by East Hampton Indoor Tennis.

The Clubhouse, which is situated directly behind EHIT’s indoor tennis bubble in an area previously used for soccer and baseball fields, also features cornhole, pool tables, fire pits, a 40-plus game arcade and indoor and outdoor lounges. It will open daily at 11 a.m. with exact closing times still to be determined.

Scott Rubenstein, one of five partners who own the tennis club, spearheaded the plan to turn what was once a dinner table idea into a reality. Since its opening in 1995, East Hampton Indoor Tennis, commonly known as EHIT, has continuously grown. Originally a six-court indoor facility, the club now boasts 20 outdoor courts and two platform-tennis courts. Its next chapter, The Clubhouse, is one that Mr. Rubenstein “couldn’t be more grateful” to begin, he said.

The Clubhouse is designed to feel intimate during the winter season while still maintaining a feeling of summer lightheartedness throughout the warmer months. Immediately upon entrance, an arcade and grand dining room invite visitors to feel at home. Just past the dining room, an elaborate 10-lane string-pin bowling alley welcomes guests with giant projector screens perched at the backdrop of each lane. The space is “a perfect place to watch any big games,” said Anita Boyer, marketing and social media director of The Clubhouse. Sporting events, like the upcoming World Cup Final this Sunday at 11 a.m., will be shown on the projector screens and throughout the facility.

Much of The Clubhouse’s decor drew inspiration from EHIT, said Ms. Boyer. Tennis racket emblazoned chandeliers and tennis-themed miniature golf balls will not be unusual to find in the space. The Clubhouse seemingly drew inspiration from its proprietor, Mr. Rubenstein, himself, said Ms. Boyer.

Mr. Rubenstein has, since 1995, been committed to serving the East Hampton community through his tennis programs. His new endeavor has embraced that same fundamental wish to serve. “We created the space with the local community in mind,” said Ms. Boyer. She added that prices for both dining and games at The Clubhouse were set fairly, to ensure the space will be “accessible for everybody.”

Holly Rubenstein, wife of Mr. Rubenstein, also played an instrumental role in the design of the interior. The decor is “Holly’s vintage industrial vision come to life,” said Ms. Boyer.

Ms. Boyer said that she envisions the space becoming a “staple for the community.” Upon opening, The Clubhouse will offer special deals for residents and veterans such as the Thank You Club, which will consist of a 20 percent discount on all games for veterans, active duty service members, volunteer firefighters, first responders and East Hampton village and town employees.

Ms. Boyer said that The Clubhouse is “beyond what I imagined watching it grow up.” Once just a vision for what something of the sort might look like, Ms. Boyer said she now believes the space has its own unique atmosphere, and that it truly has something for everyone. The Clubhouse is a place where “kids are safe to run into the arcade with 20 dollars and just have fun,” said Ms. Boyer.

Describing The Clubhouse in just a few thoughts, Ms. Boyer said she thinks of it as “Disney World of the East End.” The space is “classy but ‘homey’,” she said.

For more information on the opening of The Clubhouse and its available services, visit www.ehitclubhouse.com.