Shipwreck Alley puts a new spin on fun in Westport
Perhaps you’ve noticed the signs or heard the buzz- Westport’s Shipwreck Alley is under construction at the site of the old Viking Bowl Entertainment Center, more recently known as the Eclectic Treasures Thrift Shop. While the bowling lanes have always been there, it took the right people to bring it back to life. Enter Stevi and Martin Sobczyk, who purchased the building and will introduce duckpin bowling to town.
Stevi Sobczyk in front of Shipwreck Alley
Similar to regular bowling, duckpin features shorter alleys, palm sized balls with no finger holes, and smaller and lighter pins. Bowlers get three rolls per frame and each game has the usual 10 frames. But bowling is just the beginning. Shipwreck Alley Fun Center will also feature darts, pool tables, golf simulators, an arcade, and escape rooms.
If you’re unfamiliar with escape rooms, they are immersive, themed spaces where players work cooperatively to solve clues, riddles, or puzzles to “escape” within a certain amount of time. It’s fun, challenging, and good for groups.
Meet the Sobczyk’s: Renovating Hotels and Revitalizing Westport
Stevi and Martin Sobczyk (pronounced soab-chick) have a passion for bringing old places back to life. The couple, who reside in Eatonville, a rural community 31 miles southeast of Tacoma, first bought the old Cranberry Motel in 2020, which they transformed into what is now The South Bay Inn. The couple had previous experience remodeling and flipping houses, but a hotel was like nothing they have done before.
“When I first saw it, I looked at my husband and said, ‘Are you insane?” recalls Stevi. “It was basically falling apart. But we took a leap of faith.”
For Stevi, the Westport area has always been a place of cherished childhood memories. Her uncle had a house in North Cove and she spent many a weekend clam digging, go kart racing, or just playing with cousins on the beach. “I grew up coming to Westport, but actually hadn't been out here in years, since my uncle's house washed away,” says Stevi. “ My husband works in law enforcement and started talking about what our plan would be after he retires. He said let’s start finding some cool old properties, which led us here.”
The South Bay Inn project took them longer than expected because in the middle of that renovation they purchased the nearby Silver Sands Motel. Stevi says the ambition came from the supportive words of people around town that would stop and thank them for bringing life back into the old Cranberry Motel. They started looking at other properties they could restore. “We became friends with Rhonda McBee, who had owned the Silver Sands for 35 years. One day my husband casually told her, ‘If you ever want to sell, let us know.’ Two weeks later, she called us!” laughs Stevi. “We stopped working on South Bay Inn to get the Silver Sands going- it was more of a cosmetic remodel and we wanted to be open for the summer busy season."
Taking on two major projects was no small feat—especially for a couple living out of town with three boys, one of whom was born mid-renovation. Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs or someone who has a dream business but doesn’t know where to start is simple. “Just go for it,” says Stevi. “Do your research, find an advisor or mentor, and make sure you have an exit strategy. We have never owned a hotel and it’s been great. We have an amazing manager- Kerry Curtis. It’s all a learning curve, I learn something new every day.”
While Martin manages finances and scouting deals, Stevi takes charge of project management, day to day business, and all the design and aesthetics. Both The South Bay Inn and the Silver Sands feature a modern, clean and classic style. The South Bay Inn has rooms with kitchenettes more akin to an Airbnb and The Silver Sands offers affordable family style rooms. When it comes to designing Shipwreck Alley, Stevi is particularly excited about the creative freedom of a vibrant and fun entertainment center. She envisions the front desk as a ship. Old wood, ropes, and buoys- a nautical vintage look- yet everything will be fresh and new.
When Will Shipwreck Alley Open?
The public will have to be patient for opening day though. First the building needs a new roof, and then a company will have to fly in from out of state to re-finish the lanes, install the scoreboards and ball returns. For everyone that asks when will it be open, Stevi doesn’t have the answer. “There’s no way to really know,” says Stevi. “This is a really big project. My goal is a year to a year and a half. We want to get the bowling alley done first and get the restaurant portion done-you know the basics. I love hearing all the memories and stories as it’s helping me in my design and I’m excited for what I can bring back. Apparently I have to have really good pizza!”
In the meantime, the Sobczyk’s plan to build excitement by hosting events in the venue’s spacious parking lot. “We have room for food trucks, a giant ship-themed bouncy house, and maybe even a pop-up putt-putt golf course,” says Stevi. “We also just bought a coffee trailer we can bring out. We want to offer some fun things before we officially open.”
For the Sobczyk’s, Shipwreck Alley is more than just a business—it’s about bringing new energy and opportunities to Westport. By revitalizing spaces like The South Bay Inn, Silver Sands, and now Shipwreck Alley, they’re transforming old buildings into vibrant places where locals and visitors can stay, gather, and connect.
Coming Soon! Look for the South Bay Coffee Trailer open to all at the South Bay Inn
South Bay Coffee Company Coming Soon!