Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Bowlmor Doesn't Want "Racially Problematic" Patrons
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Aug 16, 2010
Modified Aug 16, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Aug 16, 2010
Modified Aug 16, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Five former employees of Bowlmor Lanes on University Place have filed a lawsuit against Strike Holdings CEO Tom Shannon, claiming he used social media outlets to keep minorities from making reservations at "one of the city’s hottest and most compelling nightlife venues." The suit claims Shannon met with top executives after "incidents" at Bowlmor's restaurant, Carnival, "to discuss possible ways to exclude certain people...such as African-Americans, Asians and Latinos." The workers say they were fired for not complying.
The suit claims the workers were asked to look up prospective patrons on Facebook and MySpace to see how they looked and dressed and where they lived. If they didn't fit the Bowlmor customer ideal, they didn't get a reservation. Shannon also allegedly changed the dress code to prohibit baseball caps, sports jerseys, oversized jeans and Timberland boots. Which isn't exactly racist, but seems more so when paired with the Facebook witch-hunt.
Shannon's lawyer called it a "nuisance suit," and said Strike Holdings is "an industry leader in employee diversity." When asked for comment, an employee at Bowlmor put us on hold for five minutes and then transferred us to voice mail, leading us to believe the suit may be a touchy subject. The only hint of how the staff at Bowlmor feels is through their Twitter account, to which is posted the Will Rogers' quote, "Rumor travels faster, but it don't stay put as long as truth."
Tagged
bowlmor
bowlmor lanes
discrimination
lawsuit
racism
strike holdings
tom shannon
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 10:34 a.m. ET
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
News
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD searching for 'person of interest' in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .