For Immediate Release                                         May 14, 2002

    Thirtieth Consecutive Year of Increased Dividends at Bowl America

Bowl America reported today that third quarter earnings of $.33 per share
were unchanged from the restated earnings per share in the like quarter
last year.  Tomorrow the Company will pay a dividend of $.115 per share,
making this the thirtieth consecutive fiscal year of increased dividend
payments to shareholders.

Several factors impacted third quarter business.  Mild, dry weekend weather
reduced open play.  In addition, the Easter holiday, which is always a slow
business weekend, fell in the third quarter this year but in the fourth
quarter in 2001.  This year the fourth quarter will benefit from the large
number of tournaments which are in progress at Bowl America centers.
Furthermore the Company had significant legal costs in the fourth quarter
last year for a matter decided in its favor.

A profitable bowling center closed in May when the Company was unable to renew
the lease.  Closing costs at the center, as well as higher property and
casualty insurance premiums will offset some of the above noted positive
influences.

Bowl America operates 19 bowling centers in Maryland, Virginia and Florida
and its stock trades on the American Stock Exchange with the symbol BWLA.
The Company's SEC Form 10-Q is available at www.sec.gov on the Edgar System.