In a stunning move, the current owners of Port Jeff Bowl told current owner of The Perfect Fit Pro Shop Joe Novara that he had 30 days to vacate the premises yesterday. Located at 31 Cherub Lane in Port Jefferson Station, Long Island, NY, Port Jeff Bowl ownership asked one of their center managers, known only as Greg, to inform Novara that his services were no longer required and that they would be taking over the pro shop upon his departure. According to Novara, when asked their rationale for the move, the manager said the center wanted to keep the business in-house and "make the money" themselves.
Novara, known throughout the Northeast as one of the best bowlers around and owner of a perfect 900 series, took to Facebook earlier this evening explaining the events and told the manager that he would be packing up immediately and not exercising the 30 days he was given to vacate. His reasoning for leaving immediately, according to his post, was that he "will not hang around somewhere that [he] is not wanted."
The previous owner of Port Jeff Bowl, Yvonne Francis, sold the center to the current owner over a year ago. When Francis sold the center, she told Bowlage.com that the new owner promised to "keep the center in the bowling industry," which was part of the agreement for the sale. Novara, who had been with The Perfect Fit Pro Shop for over 6 years, was given no prior notice and had no prior knowledge of this move before yesterday's revelation. In his post, Novara went on to thank Crystal Stasio for her support as well as former and current employees and friends Justin Warhol, Matt Dobbins, Mitchell Pincus, Michael Lamanno, Drew Esposito and Michael Mirabile.
Approximately 35 minutes after Novara's post, former employee Warhol made his own Facebook post to his timeline, explaining that subsequent to being let go from his former position at The Perfect Pro Shop, he was offered a new position as General Manager of The All New Pro Shop at Port Jeff Bowl and that he accepted the position effective immediately, fueling speculation that an inside job was afoot. In his post, he thanks Novara for his support and said the new pro shop is already under construction and will be a "'Storm Shop'", carrying and displaying all the latest and greatest from Storm Bowling Products!"
Novara is still currently employed at Pavlinko Pro Shops in Bowlero North Brunswick, NJ and is still available for ball drillings and measurements. He currently has no immediate plans for additional future pro shop ownership, though, with his expertise in the subject, he is sure to get gobbled up in no time within the industry.
Port Jeff Bowl ownership was unavailable for comment.
