As time went on and the neighborhood changed neighbors became increasingly more vocal about the live music acts. For the next several years the cloud of eminent domain hung over Fireside, but it continued to host shows promoted by Brian Peterson and Dave Eaves. Gradually, more and more shows were held there until 1999 when the City of Chicago wanted to expand the nearby Haas Park. The neighborhood was getting rough and business slowed so Fireside began to host shows on a part time basis in 1994. As the neighborhood changed and Fireside fell into disrepair Lapinski handed the establishment to his son Jim. From 1971 until 1990 Lapinski operated it as a thriving bowling alley. Rich and Alec also known as 'Mac' operated it together until 1971 when Rich bought out Mac. The Fireside was owned and operated by Hank Sophie until 1966 when Rich Lapinski and Alec McGuire bought the bowling alley from an ailing Hank Sophie.

The Fireside was expanded by four lanes bringing the total to 16 lanes. In 1956 it was expanded and AMF automatic pinspotters were installed and the remodeled. In the summer of 1941 renovations began and the owner Hank Sophie converted it into a bowling alley, cashing-in on the bowling craze that began in mid-20th century America.It started as a twelve lane pin boy bowling alley and thrived throughout the 40s and 50s. The building was an ice factory in its early days. The Fireside Bowl (or the Fireside) is a bowling alley and music venue established in the 1940s, located at 2648 W Fullerton Ave in Chicago, Illinois.

Bowling fireside lanes