Bowling alley may close with dispute

Corning's only bowling alley may have to close its doors - again.

A tug-of-war over a purchase agreement is taking place between Jerry and Bev Martini, who are the current business operators, and owner Amir Razavi.

Razavi was in the process of selling the business to the Martinis when discrepancies in the paperwork came up. That in turn has become a battle of wills between the two parties.

According to Razavi, the Martinis, who had already reopened the bowling alley under the name Java Lanes, backed out of the deal.

The Martinis, who have retained a real estate attorney, said Razavi has been less than forthright in his dealings with them.

"If we can't come to a fair agreement, we will vacate the building on Jan. 31," Jerry Martini said.

The bowling alley, located at 2075 Solano St., was originally opened in 1966 by Jay and Bev Munger under the Java Lanes name. The Martinis bought the bowling alley in 1968.

In 2005, Razavi purchased the business, building and property from the Martinis and opened it under the name Corning Family Entertainment Center. He said he made $500,000 in improvements to the center, but didn't have the support of the community to keep it open and closed the business in June.

When the Martini's heard the bowling alley was closed, they jumped right in to purchase and reopen it as a benefit to the community.

"We just couldn't see it being closed down and this town left with one less thing for people to do around here," Bev Martini said. "We have every hope this issue with Mr. Razavi can be resolved and we can continue to support and benefit the residents of Corning."

The Martinis said the community has been extremely supportive of them and the bowling alley since they reopened it.

"When people here heard we were reopening the alley, they came everyday to see what they could do to help. We couldn't have asked for more support," Jerry Martini said.

Razavi said if an agreement isn't made, and the bowling alley again closes, it will remain so until he finds another buyer.

Razavi, of Granite Bay, also owns the Spirit minimart and gas station on Solano Street and Heritage Square Shopping Center on Highway 99W.