Trendy axe-throwing bar expands to Lexington, opening soon
After a successful first year in downtown Columbia, Craft Axe Throwing is expanding its footprint in the Midlands by taking its hatchets-and-beers concept across the river.
Craft Axe Throwing plans to open in Lexington this spring, according to marketing director Trent Larkins.
Similar to a bowling alley — but with axes — the new Craft Axe location will feature at least 10 throwing lanes and will serve a selection of beers and ciders, Larkins said.
Urban axe-throwing has become a trendy activity in cities across the country. The concept is similar to a game of darts: You throw axes at a target, and the closer you are to hitting the center of the target, the more points you get.
“It’s different than anything you experience . . . when you’re looking for a night out or something to do with your friends,” Larkins said.
The downtown Columbia location, on Gervais Street in the Vista, has seen such success and so many visitors from the Lexington area that the company decided Lexington made sense for its expansion, Larkins said.
The number of visitors has “exceeded our expectations,” Larkins said.
The downtown Columbia lanes are fully booked most nights, he said. The bar is open Wednesdays through Sundays and hosts an axe-throwing league on Tuesday nights.
Like the Columbia location, Craft Axe in Lexington will offer lane reservations online, or you can walk-in and snag a free lane. Larkins recommends reserving your lane in advance, especially on the weekends. Lanes cost $20 per hour per person.
Craft Axe Throwing will be located at 101 East Main St. in downtown Lexington, in the former location of Blowie’s Sweet Spot. An exact opening date has not yet been set, but it is likely to open in the next two months or so, Larkins said.
Craft Axe also is expanding across South Carolina, with new locations also planned in Rock Hill, Spartanburg and, further down the road, Charleston. It’s currently operating in Columbia and Greenville. Other locations are in Missouri, Nebraska and Tennessee.
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