Owner promises safety with new Wilmington ax-throwing bar
Tribune News Service
July 4, 2018
WILMINGTON — The Port City’s newest attraction might be right on target for anyone looking for a little action with their pint of beer.
Scheduled to open later this summer on South Third Street near Marstellar Street in the burgeoning South Front District, Axes & Allies is poised to be Wilmington’s first ax-throwing bar.
Yes, you read that right.
The business will feature batting cage-style lanes where participants can toss small axes at wooden targets while sipping on (an appropriate amount of) beer and wine. The ax-throwing bar industry has become mighty in recent years, with locations all over the country. North Carolina locations include Charlotte, Durham, Jacksonville, Fayetteville and Asheville.
Owner Mia Troy is new to the ax-throwing industry, having first encountered it on a recent trip to Denver. But with plenty of research and safety preparation, she said she’s ready to introduce it to the Wilmington community.
But first, Troy had to pitch the idea.
“It was a very interesting conversation to have with my insurance agent,” she said, laughing. “It takes a little while to talk people through exactly what it is. But I’ve had overwhelming support from everyone I’ve talked to.”
Admittedly, it’s not the easiest sell at first blush.
At Axes & Allies, guests will see four 12-foot-long lanes bordered by fencing and ending with two thick wooden targets. Each lane can handle eight people for the two targets, where participants will take turns stepping up to the safety line, aiming and launching axes at a bull’s-eye.
“It’s very similar to darts,” Troy said.
For anyone thinking alcohol and sharp objects under one roof don’t quite mix, that’s not lost on Troy.
“The first thing people say is that it seems dangerous,” she said. “We don’t think so. It is a new and interesting sport, but it is not the scary, dangerous thing people are making it out to be.”
Participants must sign a waiver and meet with an “ax-pert” before even touching an ax so they can be briefed on the best practices for maximum fun and safety.
The bar also has restrictions. It doesn’t serve hard liquor or beers with strong alcohol content.
“The focus of the business is the ax-throwing,” Troy said.
Outfitting the building is locally sourced materials including wood, axes and decor elements. Local artist Nathan Verway painted the Paul Bunyan mural that graces the main wall and will serve as the business’ logo.
Troy has already received interest from groups and companies looking to reserve lanes. Once open, she said, some of the lanes will be reservation-only, while others will serve walk-ins.
Although ax-throwing may not be the first thing people toss out for a night out, Troy said she has been mindful of making it accessible to everyone.
“The concept alone and the vibe, it just seemed perfect for the area,” she said. “You come into a lounge. It’s super chill, relaxed. I think it’s very conducive to the South Front area.”
There is no opening date, as Troy focuses on finalizing all the permits needed to open. But she hopes to see guests throwing axes by mid-July.