Brandon Thomas Staff
Some remember it as the Sugar Bowl, some remember it as Hickory Lanes and at the end of its life, it went by Thunder Bowl Snack Bar. Regardless of the building’s namesake, it’d be hard to find a Thibodaux native who hasn’t been to the bowling alley on Hickory Street. Serving the community since at least the 1960s, Thunder Bowl has served as not only a bowling alley but also a snack shop. They served hot dogs, pizza, and other quick meals.
“[Thunder Bowl was] a great place for all ages in the ’60s,” says former Thunder Bowl patron Wayne Talbot. “For bowling, socializing, and good food…it was a place where parents could feel secure allowing their children to be with friends, whether in league bowling, on a date, or gathering after other functions.”
Players who bowled a perfect game had their names placed above the respective lane where they bowled a 300. Thibodaux native and former Thunder Bowl bowling league member Kenny Lirette says, “The best experience I had was the night that I bowled a 300…We got to meet different people in the community and have a good time.”
Located at 201 Hickory Street Thunder Bowl Snack Bar was permanently closed in 2018 and will soon serve as the new home to Salon Moxie hair studio.
