LEWISTON – New owners of the bowling alley at Spare Time Recreation intend to keep the business operating as usual.

Two couples, Nick and Nerys Bayley and Sam and Carmen Evrard, have formed M1 Inc., a development consulting firm that has taken over ownership and management of Spare Time Rec. Its sister business, Porter’s Restaurant, will close this week. Both were formerly owned by R&B Bowling, which was considering closing the facilities.

“Spare Time Recreation not only provides exceptional family entertainment but it is the premier local alley for league bowling,” said Nerys Bayley. “We strongly felt it was important to step in and save this business for the community. Families can expect the same great service and the alleys will be ready for the leagues in September as always.”

Bayley said rumors had been circulating that the bowling alley would close and she and her partners wanted to reassure the bowling public that wasn’t so. Spare Time hosts dozens of area bowling leagues. Longtime employee Robert Gagnon is expected to remain as manager.

About 20 people will lose their jobs at Porter’s, said Bayley, although she said she hopes to find placements for as many as possible. Some are expected to be hired by Off-Track Betting, the other business in the recreation center, which is owned and operated by the Day family. Off-Track Betting offers food service.

Bayley said M1 Inc. will look for future development of Porter’s. She said finding another restaurant would be good, but the company is open to other ideas.

Raceway Realty, another partnership of the Bayleys and the Evrards, owns the building.