A Wyoming-based entertainment group will upgrade the former Hilander Bowl building in Kelso and reopen under a different name by the end of January, the company’s president said Thursday.

American Family Entertainment Centers plans to invest as much as $700,000 before restarting the restaurant, fun center, bowling alley and bar, president Bill Kellen said. The company’s partner is David Ruiz, a California entertainment center owner, Kellen said.

The entertainment center on Kelso Drive will employ 30 to 40 people, he said.

American Family owns five entertainment centers in the Northwest and Texas and is trying to open about 20 more nationwide. The company signed a lease agreement with the building’s owner, Riverway Plaza, this week.

Kellen, who returned to Wyoming on Thursday, said he plans to bring the manager of his Bozeman, Mont., facility, Chris Fortune, to run the Kelso business.

Riverway evicted the Hilander a year ago after owner Jim Springer fell behind on lease payments. The business had twice declared bankruptcy, owing 43 creditors $1.75 million, and had been shut down twice by the state Department of Revenue for owing $385,000 in sales taxes.

The new business will carry none of the Hilander’s debt, said Bob McDonald, managing partner of Bellevue-based Riverway.

McDonald bought the bowling lanes and restaurant equipment at auction in May for $175,000. He had hoped to find a tenant to run the business this summer, but no one presented him an adequate business plan, he said.

McDonald then contacted American Family, which was able to invest enough money to make the business work, McDonald said.

“We wanted somebody that had the financial wherewithal and the expertise to run something that people would be proud to come to.”

The entertainment center will have all new equipment and arcade games, Kellen said. The company will replace the old laser tag game with Lazer Frenzy, a new, 150-square-foot maze that challenges players to avoid rotating lights with increasing difficulty.

Also, Kellen said he plans to add an indoor miniature golf course and a Cold Fusion Ice Cream parlor to the fun center.

“We’re bringing in all new stuff.”

Related articles:

List of candidates to manage former Hilander Bowl down to two, owner says  (July 24)

Hilander Bowl landlord set to reopen Kelso fun center  (May 23)

Hilander owner appears in court as landlord plans for future  (Feb. 18)

Hilander receives eviction notice  (Nov. 11, 2008)