After thousands of strikes, AMF-operated Ribaut Lanes in Beaufort has no more time to spare.

The bowling alley shut its doors for the last time Wednesday, the result of struggling financial performance, according to AMF spokesman Merrell Wreden.

"From time to time, we have to make a tough decision," he said. "In some cases, the demographics can shift."

He added that those demographics were especially unstable in Beaufort, with a tourism-driven economy that can leave recreational businesses vulnerable for much of the year.

AMF is based in Mechanicsville, Va. It has about 270 alleys nationwide, making it by far the largest bowling chain in the country, Wreden said. He said there were no plans to close the AMF lanes on Hilton Head Island.