Brunswick buying eSkape in Buffalo Grove, plans new concept for bowling alley

Buffalo Grove's eSkape entertainment center will get new owners and a new look under a proposal that came before the village's board of trustees Monday.

Representatives of Brunswick told village officials the company is under contract to purchase eSkape, 350 McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove's Town Center, and has plans to covert it into a new concept for the company, with bowling, other entertainment choices and expanded food and beverage options.

“This project represents what is going to be the flagship for our newest brand of Brunswick's, which is designed to be the next generation in family entertainment,” said Mike Fasolo,

Brunswick Bowling & Billiards vice president of operations. Two similar ventures are under way in Georgia, he added.

Fasolo said the company's acquisition of eSkape should be complete by May 31, but declined to reveal further details of the sale. Once the deal is complete, he said, the facility would be closed for remodeling, with the reopening planned for late October.

He said the new Brunswick would offer a more expansive menu with a Tavern '45 restaurant, additional games and Brunswick's latest version of laser tag. There also will be meeting space for events and possibly a beer garden.

“We have put a lot of time and effort into making sure we offer that's relevant to everyone,” Fasolo told the village board.

He cited “fantastic demographics,” a great building and a great location as guiding Brunswick's choice of the location.

Trustees referred the proposal, which includes a request for a special use permit, to the village's plan commission for further review.