Axe-throwing sports bar abruptly closes all of its locations including one in Las Vegas

Axe-throwing sports bar abruptly closes all of its locations including one in Las Vegas ‘We are deeply saddened that our eight-year journey has ended this way,’ a spokesperson for the brand said - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments A popular axe-throwing chain founded in Columbus has closed all of its branches across the U.S. Dueling Axes, which was launched back in 2018, abruptly shuttered all five of its locations on July 31, including one in Las Vegas. “The closures resulted from circumstances outside our control, and we are deeply saddened that our eight-year journey has ended this way,” a spokesperson for the business told WCMH-TV. “For now, founders Paul and Jess are focused on responsibly wrapping up the company’s operations and moving forward into their next chapter.” Dueling Axes first launched at a location in Downtown Columbus, before expanding to New Albany, Las Vegas, Grove City and Cincinnati. The brand was known for offering a range of experiences in addition to axe throwing, including yoga and bachelor or bachelorette parties. Some of the company’s stores also sold a range of shareable meals, including nachos and chicken tenders, and had full-service bars. In a statement obtained by The Columbus Dispatch, founder Jess Hellmich and Paul Sherry thanked their customers and their employees. “It was a privilege to be part of the communities we served and to help create lasting memories around birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, date nights and countless nights out,” the statement read. “We had an absolute blast, and we will always be proud of what our teams built and the experiences we shared with so many people.” A Dueling Axes mobile unit was bought in mid-July by an art studio named Square Canvas. The owner of Square Canvas, Kristin Harlander, told The Dispatch that the unit has already been rewrapped and rebranded. The unit has already been deployed at the Ohio State Fair. Dueling Axes’ founders told the newspaper that they are “pleased” that the mobile service will remain available. According to Dueling Axes, axe throwing has existed as a sport since the early 1800s, with lumberjacks developing it as a way to stay entertained. The first axe-throwing bars have been traced back to Toronto in 2011, with organisations including the Backyard Axe Throwing League, which was founded in 2006, helping to popularise the sport. The Independent has contacted the Dueling Axes for comment. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments