Strikes, Spirits, Stories: Lisa Houston Manages Bowling and Business

Owner of Xplosions Bar and Bowl, Lisa Houston, shares how her family-run entertainment venue has become a vibrant place for locals of all ages. With a passion for community and creating fun experiences, Lisa explores the inspiration behind Xplosions and its significance for young people.

May 16, 2025

At Melton’s Xplosions Bar and Bowl, Lisa Houston is a community-minded manager dedicated to elevating gatherings into joyful, memorable celebrations.

Lisa’s journey to founding Xplosions started with a desire for change. After years in the corporate world, she and her family were looking for something more grounded, something that would give back. “We just wanted to get out of corporate life and do something meaningful,” she explains. “My younger brother has a bowling alley up in Queensland, so we thought we’d follow that model. Then we found this spot in Melton, which was a growing community.”

Since opening, Xplosions has grown into a place where families celebrate milestones, children light up over arcade wins, and teenagers get their first taste of employment. “It’s a family business, so I love going to work,” Lisa shares. “Everyone enjoys coming in, it’s a fun place to be.”

Behind the scenes, a clear sense of teamwork is taking place. Lisa voices that every staff member, many of them young locals, understands their role. “We’ve got set stations, someone runs the bowling hub, someone else manages the bar, and others are in charge of the arcade area,” she says. “Things tend to run pretty smoothly that way.”

Lisa is proud of how Xplosions gives back to Melton, not only through entertainment but by offering work experience to local teens. “All our staff are locals. We partner with a couple of schools and when we need new staff, we go through them,” she says. “It’s their first job before they move into the wider workforce, usually from around 15 to 18 years old.”

bowling pins ready to be knock down.

When it comes to what makes someone thrive at Xplosions, Lisa keeps it simple, “Just turn up, do your duties, and come with a smile on your face. If you do that, it’s a pretty easy job.”

As for the heart of the business, it’s all about the customer experience. Lisa lights up when she talks about seeing joy on young faces. “My favourite part is watching the kids smile, especially when they win arcade prizes or put their tickets into the machine and see it light up. That’s the best part of the day.”

Over the years, Xplosions has hosted more than just casual nights out. The venue has become a place where people celebrate the moments that matter most, from sports club presentations to milestone birthdays, and even a wedding. “The bride bowled in her dress,” Lisa recalls with a laugh. “It was amazing.” Others come for more reflective reasons, Lisa explains. “There’s a family that comes every year to honour a loved one who passed 20 years ago. They bowl in his memory. It’s really special.”

Ultimately, Lisa is committed to preserving the heart of what Xplosions is all about. “Don’t grow up, it’s a trap,” she says with a smile. More than just a playful slogan, it’s a reminder of the venue’s purpose: to be a place where people of all ages can connect, share laughter, and make lasting memories.

XPlosions saying farewell to beloved staff, Alisha.

Nerasha is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, who's honed her writing and leadership skills through her school newspaper and Melton Youth Advisory Committee.

At Melton’s Xplosions Bar and Bowl, Lisa Houston is a community-minded manager dedicated to elevating gatherings into joyful, memorable celebrations.

Lisa’s journey to founding Xplosions started with a desire for change. After years in the corporate world, she and her family were looking for something more grounded, something that would give back. “We just wanted to get out of corporate life and do something meaningful,” she explains. “My younger brother has a bowling alley up in Queensland, so we thought we’d follow that model. Then we found this spot in Melton, which was a growing community.”

Since opening, Xplosions has grown into a place where families celebrate milestones, children light up over arcade wins, and teenagers get their first taste of employment. “It’s a family business, so I love going to work,” Lisa shares. “Everyone enjoys coming in, it’s a fun place to be.”

Behind the scenes, a clear sense of teamwork is taking place. Lisa voices that every staff member, many of them young locals, understands their role. “We’ve got set stations, someone runs the bowling hub, someone else manages the bar, and others are in charge of the arcade area,” she says. “Things tend to run pretty smoothly that way.”

Lisa is proud of how Xplosions gives back to Melton, not only through entertainment but by offering work experience to local teens. “All our staff are locals. We partner with a couple of schools and when we need new staff, we go through them,” she says. “It’s their first job before they move into the wider workforce, usually from around 15 to 18 years old.”

Nerasha is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, who's honed her writing and leadership skills through her school newspaper and Melton Youth Advisory Committee.

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