Jack London Square to lose giant entertainment complex after other businesses flee

After nearly 12 years in Oakland’s Jack London Square, the bowling venue Plank is calling it quits.

announced the impending closure on Instagram

Dave & Buster’s, moved in down the block

The business said that "persistent and significant drops in sales" over the last two years and "steadily rising costs" had made staying in operation impossible.

The departure of Plank follows that of several recent businesses, which include the Asian-inspired brewery Dokkaebier, the Seawolf pub and the Waterfront Hotel.

"To our guests, neighbors, team members, event hosts, families and friends — thank you for making plank a place filled with energy, celebrations, laughter and memories. What started as ‘Oakland's own’ became so much more because of this incredible community," the company wrote.

Customers who have made reservations in August and beyond will be contacted about refunds. However, people with gift cards and game-card credits should redeem them with the business before its final day.

"From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for being part of the plank story," the Instagram post ended.

When Plank opened in Jack London Square in 2014, there were no bowling alleys in Oakland. The Mercury News reported that same year:

"Plank, which opened in October in the cavernous space that was once home to a chain bookstore, is already swollen with crowds that include families, young people and others. Plank also boasts a full-service restaurant that offers a variety of cuisine types (American, Latin, Italian, Asian) in a casual environment.

"This is a huge, sprawling space. There's a bar right up front, situated between 12 bowling lanes and the sizable arcade area; another bar, six more bowling lanes and two pool tables in the 21-and-over ‘Boardroom,’ and an outdoor beer garden with a third bar, three bocce ball lanes and fire pits. TVs abound throughout, including three massive projection screens directly over the bowling lanes in the main room."

Those who miss Plank might drown their sorrows in beers at the city’s new Dave & Busters, which opened in May, just a minute or two’s walk away. Though the D&B’s does not offer bowling, it does have arcade games and a giant claw machine called the "Human Crane."

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 1:41 PM.