PRESTON – Sawyer Hemsley, co-founder of Crumbl Cookies and head of Hemsley Ventures, recently purchased another Preston business.
Hemsley Ventures purchased Pop’N Pins Lanes from Dalra Talbot and his wife Dawna to keep the ball rolling and keep the bowling alley from closing. The local business is located at 411 U.S. 91 in Preston.
The Talbots closed it for a short period and it was put up for sale. Hemsley Ventures wanted to keep the business going and purchased it hoping to renew interest in family entertainment.
Hemsley Ventures wants to restore some of the finer things Preston has to offer.
The bowling alley was built in 1960 and has provided entertainment for families in and out of Franklin County since then.
Tana Checketts is overseeing Pop’N Pins with her husband Chad. The place is usually open most evenings after 5 p.m. except for Saturday when there is a children’s league. It is closed on Sunday.
Pop”N Pins Lanes’ big claim to fame was when it appeared in the movie Napoleon Dynamite. Jared and Jerusa Hess made a lot of the motion picture in Preston. The film became wildly successful bringing visitors to Preston from all over the world. The bowling alley and some photographs are prominently displayed on the walls.
Hemsley Ventures said the bowling alley is more than just bowling.
“It is a been gathering place, a tradition, and a staple of small-town fun and we are committed to carry that forward for generations to come,” Hemsley said. “This bowling alley is known and loved, and our hope is to preserve the memories, traditions and joy it brings while introducing fresh ideas and exciting updates along the way.”
Hemsley has pumped some money into his hometown trying to revive it.
“Sawyer loves this town and he loves bowling,” Checketts said. “He wanted to purchase the bowling alley to keep it running. It is a place where families have a place to go and have fun. It’s kind of nostalgic and special to Preston.”
Besides overseeing Pop’N Pins, Checketts is the operations manager for the Polar Bear Eats, Rockhill Creamery and the Crust Club.
Hemsley Ventures has purchased several downtown buildings, including the First Security Bank building and turned it into Hemsley Ventures headquarters. He purchased Edward Floral and turned it into Hemsley Ranch Gardens. He also owns a 62-acre working ranch outside of the city that he rents out. The ranch raises racehorses, cattle and alpacas.
“Sawyer loves Preston and he wants people to enjoy where he grew up,” she said. “He wants to give back to the community and wants it to be a nice place for everyone who lives here. He is passionate and a very giving person.”