Cyclone Lanes: Where Family Tradition Meets Handcrafted Pizza

A Bowling Center That Locals Know Best for Its Famous "Bowling Alley Pizza"

When Joann and Joe Portwood purchased Cyclone Lanes in 2001, they had no idea they'd become fixtures in the Harlan community for over two decades. Both grew up in competing bowling alleys in Boone, Iowa—Joann's father owned one center while Joe worked at the rival establishment. That shared background in bowling, combined with a desire to settle in a family-friendly community, led them to make a cold call that would change their lives.

"We decided we wanted someplace to be permanently, instead of moving around a lot," Joann explains. After Joe's 21-year career with Fareway, the couple began hunting for a bowling center in a community with good schools. During a drive through Harlan, Joe made an impromptu call to Cyclone Lanes to ask if the owners might consider selling. To their surprise, the answer was yes.

From Cold Call to Community Institution

The Portwoods' introduction to business ownership was anything but gradual. "We took possession on a Thursday," Joann recalls with a laugh. "And that Friday, we were signed up to host a 40-team traveling league tournament." The couple quickly called on family members—sisters, cousins, an aunt, and an uncle—to help run the tournament, kitchen, and bar while Joe handled lane calls and Joann floated between stations.

This "all hands on deck" beginning set the tone for their approach to business: family-centered, community-focused, and always ready to adapt. Their daughter, just three years old when they moved to Harlan, essentially grew up at the bowling center. Now 27, she works at the local school but still helps at the lanes occasionally.

Cyclone Lanes itself has a rich history in Harlan. Originally located downtown near what used to be Bacon's Hardware, the business moved to its current Chatburn Avenue location sometime between 1950 and 1960, where it has remained ever since.

The Portwoods have weathered their share of challenges over the years. In 2019, the center was struck by lightning, damaging their scoring systems and requiring nearly five weeks of closure. They reopened in December, only to face the COVID-19 pandemic a few months later. "It was a strange year and a half," Joann reflects. "We got all this new scoring, and now we don't have anybody come in and bowl." But the community rallied around them, supporting the business through takeout orders and returning as soon as restrictions lifted.

Bowling and Beyond: A Complete Entertainment Experience

Cyclone Lanes offers something for bowlers of all ages and skill levels. Regular open bowling provides casual fun for families and friends, while Wednesday nights feature their popular "church and family night" with discounted bowling and free shoe rentals. The center hosts men's, women's, and mixed leagues throughout the year, including a Tuesday afternoon ladies league that draws regular participants who treat their weekly games as much-anticipated social gatherings.

For younger bowlers, Cyclone Lanes runs youth leagues on Saturday mornings during the school year, serving 40-50 kids aged 6-17. "That's kind of near and dear to my heart," Joann says about the junior bowling program. "It's nice to be able to give the kids the little patches and trophies." The program has been so successful that many participants graduate to the high school bowling team, which practices at the center from November through February.

The business also hosts corporate events, birthday parties, and tournaments. With limited lanes, reservations are essential, especially during busy winter months when people seek indoor entertainment.

But what truly sets Cyclone Lanes apart is its reputation for exceptional food. "We're also known for our food," Joann explains. "We have homemade buttercrust pizza, which people drive from a variety of surrounding communities to partake in."

The pizza has become so renowned that locals don't even refer to it by the business name. "My daughter works at the school, and whenever they talk about it, it's not 'Cyclone Lanes,' it's 'Bowling Alley pizza,'" Joann says.

Their made-from-scratch approach includes hand-patty burgers and fresh pizza dough made to order. Popular pizza options include their Supreme (with meat and vegetables), the all meat pizza ("nine kinds of meat"), and specialty options like taco pizza and bacon cheeseburger pizza. The menu also features burgers, chicken strips, fish sandwiches, and their unique pizza burger—a breaded, deep-fried patty with mozzarella that draws customers from hours away.

What Makes Them Special

What truly distinguishes Cyclone Lanes is the personal relationship the Portwoods have built with their customers and community. "When people come in, we know them, they know us, we have our regulars... they get to be also like family," Joann shares.

This connection extends throughout the business. The center hosts numerous community gatherings, from church youth groups to birthday parties. Many families have made Cyclone Lanes part of their traditions. "We have a family that has come probably the Sunday after Thanksgiving for pizza and bowling for the last 24 years," Joann says. "Their family has grown quite a bit in the 24 years we've been here, and so it's just nice to watch the kids come in and grow up."

Even their part-time staff becomes part of the extended family. The business typically employs three to six high school students who often choose to hold their own graduation parties at the lanes. "The kids are just extra kids for us," Joann explains.

The junior bowling program exemplifies their commitment to youth development. Kids earn patches for achievements and receive trophies at year-end awards ceremonies. Some, like the Portwoods' own daughter, go on to bowl collegiately—she competed at Morningside College.

A Taste of Tradition

Whether you come for the bowling or the food, Cyclone Lanes offers a genuine small-town experience where prices remain remarkably affordable—a large single-topping pizza costs just $14, while a burger, fries, and drink combo runs only $10.

What often surprises first-time customers is the quality of the food. "I know they're looking at thinking they're going to get a frozen pizza that was baked in a pizza oven or something like that," Joann says. Instead, they discover made-from-scratch food that keeps them coming back.

The business remains refreshingly old-school in some ways—they accept only cash or check, no credit cards—but that's part of the charm. It's not uncommon for a customer who forgot their checkbook to hear, "Go home, take your pizza, eat it, enjoy it while it's hot, bring me back a check."

"No one's ever not done it," Joann adds, highlighting the trust that comes with small-town business.

Looking Ahead

After nearly 25 years of ownership, the Portwoods are beginning to think about passing the torch. "At our age, we're actually looking to put our two weeks' notice in, which unfortunately, you can't do that in business," Joann jokes.

They're hoping to find local buyers who will maintain the business's community focus. "We'd love to keep it in the community," Joann emphasizes. "Hopefully we can find somebody locally or someone in the area that maybe has a family, because it's a great family business."

Her advice to future owners? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Come in and work the way it is, and you can tweak things and make it your own. But if it's working, double think before you start changing lots of things."

In the meantime, they're seeking part-time help to replace graduating seniors. "Dependability is the biggest thing," Joann says about what makes a good team member.

The Heart of Harlan

For nearly a quarter-century, Cyclone Lanes has been more than just a place to bowl or grab a bite—it has been a gathering place where memories are made, traditions are formed, and community bonds are strengthened. What started as a leap of faith for the Portwoods has evolved into a beloved institution that reflects the warmth and character of Harlan itself.

As the business looks toward its next chapter, one thing remains certain: the legacy of exceptional bowling, homemade pizza, and genuine small-town hospitality will continue to draw people through its doors. Whether you're a regular who's been coming for decades or a first-time visitor curious about the famous "Bowling Alley pizza," you'll find something special at this Chatburn Avenue landmark—a place where everyone knows your name, and where the heart of the community beats strongest.

Visit Cyclone Lanes at 912 Chatburn Ave, Harlan, IA for bowling and their famous homemade pizza. To place an order for pickup, make a lane reservation, or inquire about hosting a party, call 712-755-5863. Remember to bring cash or check as no cards are accepted. Follow them on Facebook at Cyclone Lanes for the latest hours and special events. To avoid disappointment, especially during busy winter months, reservations are highly recommended.