MBA alumnus is managing partner for new bowling alley in Richmond

Ben Eubanks, GB’13, is spearheading a new business for Scott’s Addition: a boutique bowling alley.

“We’re bringing something that’s different to the area,” Eubanks said of the project. “We’re really trying to think big, about a flexible format for corporate, public, and private.”

It all started when he met his now business partner, Rob Long, who had a big idea.

“We want to make Scott’s Addition a destination,” Long said. “Richmond is now competing with New York, Boston, San Francisco. We need to be able to show people that there are other parts of this town that are cool and progressive. That’s what we’re hoping to achieve.”

The bowling alley is called River City Roll. Eubanks and Long are currently fundraising for the 20 lane, multi-purpose property to break ground in May.

Eubanks currently works as the director of business analysis for The Winebow Group, a network of national importer and distribution houses that offer comprehensive portfolios of fine wine and spirits from around the world to retailers, chains, clubs, hotels, and restaurants across the U.S.

His experience fit right in with Long’s project, and after graduating from the MBA program, he knew he wanted to do something more.

“One of the biggest things that The Richmond MBA taught me is that I have the capacity to take on this project,” Eubanks said. “When I started the program, I had just started a new job and had my first child. It all just seemed insurmountable at times. But, I managed to do it all. And that inspired me to go for this project, because I know I can do it. And I don’t think I would have felt this way without the experience I gained in the MBA program.”

He credits much of that inspiration to his mentor, Randy Raggio, director of The Richmond MBA program.

“You won’t find a smarter or nicer person, which makes others want to see him succeed,” Raggio said of Eubanks. “I have learned much more from Ben than he has learned from me.”

“I’m more energized about what I’m doing now in every aspect of my life than I have been in quite a long time, and I think the MBA program enabled me to have that energy,” Eubanks said.

River City Roll will also feature a restaurant, outdoor patio, bar, and a stage for local talent to perform.

“We have a lot of different ways that people can use the space,” Eubanks said. “Whether it’s eating out, bowling, shuffle board, or enjoying the sunshine on a nice day, we’re just giving people a lot of options for fun.”

Though the project is still in its early stages, Eubanks and Long both believe they can accomplish their fundraising goal, break ground on May 1, and open their doors in early 2018. 

“It’s about believing in yourself most importantly. Having an optimistic view of what you think the future can be and believing that you can find a way to get there,” Eubanks said.

River City Roll has also been featured in the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Richmond BizSense.

For more information on River City Roll, or to get involved, reach out to Ben Eubanks at guy.eubanks@gmail.com.