The Future of Bonzini brand foosball tables in the USA

PINNACLE, N.C. - June 3, 2019 - PRLog -- Cribbs Inc., exclusive importer and distributor of Bonzini brand foosball tables in the USA, announced today the sale of the exclusive import and distribution rights of Bonzini brand foosball tables in the USA to Atlantic Whirlpools, Inc of 8721 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27617.  Mr. William D. Mitchell, Jr., president of Atlantic Whirlpools, Inc.

Bill Mitchell and his staff of 22 have been Bonzini retailers for the past 18 years.  Atlantic Whirlpools, Inc has two locations within North Carolina. Their main location is in Raleigh and their second location is in Wilmington. "After 21 years of building this organization, it became the right time to pass the exclusive import and distribution rights for Bonzini brand foosball tables in the USA to the next generation", said Alan Cribbs president of Cribbs Inc. dba Bonzini U.S.A.

Bonzini manufacturing has been producing these tables since the 1930's in Bagnolet, France.  Their quality craftsmanship and elegant design is superb and recognized for its looks and durability throughout the world. The Bonzini brand is one of five foosball tables recognized by the International Table-Soccer Federation (I.T.S.F.) for international tournament play.

The Bonzini brand really took off in the U.S. in 1998 thanks to Alan Cribbs, president of Cribbs Inc. Alan starting playing french-style foosball when he was just a wee lad in 1974 and became an accomplished competitive player owning several state and regional championship foosball player titles.He loved the game so much that in 1998, while he was playing in a foosball tournament in France with long time partner and foosball legend, Bruce Nardoci of Charlotte, NC, he met the president of Bonzini, Mr. Gerard Bergaglia. After seeing first hand, the quality of the table and hearing about the  Bergaglia family's loyal ties with the French Players Federation, it became clear there was a new opportunity to bring this popular game back to the USA.  With a handshake between Mr. Bergaglia and Mr. Cribbs, a new partnership was formed. In November of 1998, Alan started Bonzini U.S.A., a division of Cribbs, Inc., becoming the exclusive importer and distributor for the Bonzini brand foosball table in the USA.

Alan's hard work and dedication paid off.  Successfully building with a network of successful Bonzini brand brick and mortar retail stores and working directly with multiple Coin Operator Associations across several states.  For his love and dedication of the game, Alan also established loyal Bonzini player groups that stretched across four states, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.  Not only was it about the game he loved, but he wanted to give back to those in need.  So in 2001, Alan structured the Bonzini U.S.A. foosball tournaments to include a local charity beneficiary where tournaments were being held.  This was something the entire Bonzini U.S.A. player groups could be proud of, giving back to their community.  The last Bonzini U.S.A. foosball tournament produced by Bonzini U.S.A. was in October of 2018 with over $200,000.00 and numerous foosball tables donated to local charities in 4 states since 2001.  A list of charities included, Brenner's Children's Hospital, Hospice of the Shenandoah, Samaritan House Safe Harbor, the Quigley House, Carteret County Domestic Violence Program " Caroline's House", The V. Foundation for Cancer Research, The American Red Cross, St. Jude's Children's Hospital,  The Brigade Boys and Girls Club of Wilmington, The Boys and Girls Club of York County, SC, The Yahweh Center,  The Alzheimer's Association, Hope Mission of Carteret County, The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and numerous other local churches and organizations.

Bonzini foosball is alive, well and growing all across the mid Atlantic states, which has been and will continue to be a hotbed for Bonzini foosball for the past 20 years.

Alan is not done yet! He will continue to work with Bill Mitchell and his staff of 22 to continue to grow the game and the product popularity as Bonzini Brand Ambassador.  So he's not going away he's just taking a step back and letting Atlantic Whirlpools Inc.  step in to do the day to day heavy lifting.   Alan will be by their side assisting as needed over the next few years.

Bill Mitchell, president of Atlantic Whirlpools Inc. dba Bonzini U.S.A. is excited to take this brand and run with it.  Bill knows the quality and legacy of the Bonzini brand. He, and his staff, are elated to push forward continuing to grow and expand Bonzini USA throughout the U.S.

For those interested in learning more about Bonzini foosball table products and the services of Bonzini USA., please contact Mr. Bill Mitchell at: info@bonziniusa.com. Or check out their website at www.bonziniusa.com.

In closing, Alan Cribbs stated; "While stepping down was a difficult decision, I am constantly reminded of the incredible journey my company has been on by the number of friends we've made over the past 21 years in business and tournament events. Combined with the start of my playing career, I have been involved in the game of foosball for 45 years. I considered it a privilege and honor to work with the Bergaglia family and Bonzini since 1998. This transition allows me to come full circle, in the world of foosball, and enjoy the game as a player once more."