(Hodgdon, Maine) A Houlton entrepreneur had his bowling alley closed down because of the pandemic but came back with something better.

According to the Bangor Daily News, Geno and Laura Seiders purchased the only Candlestick Bowling Alley, Hill Top Lanes in Aroostook County back in 2018. They were making good money, even making a redemption center and convenience store next to the alley.

But when the pandemic hit in 2020, they had to shut down the bowling alley, relying on the redemption center for income. However, they adapted to the situation extremely well and managed to pull through with just that income. They took the convenience store right next to the center and turned it into a general store, even supplying things like bait, apparel, and guns.

The general store, now called Seiders Variety and Sporting Goods is doing even better now. 2500 square feet was recently added to the store, and the couple also installed a gas pump, making it the only gas station on a 40-mile section of route one. They’re planning on expanding the place even further with another 1,100 square foot expansion next year. They’re now so busy with the general store and redemption center that the bowling alley is on the backburner and can be reopened later.

Seiders variety and sporting goods is located in Hodgdon Maine at 53 Calais Road. to learn more about them and what they sell, click here.