Words :: Kristin Schnelten // photos :: Roth Media. Article sponsored by Axed.
From the very beginning of Axed, Melissa Herod and husband, John, had their sights set on Blue Mountain Village. “We’ve always had this exact spot on our vision board, which hangs right in our kitchen,” says Melissa. It took three years, including months of shutdowns and uncertainty, but they finally made it to their dream location. The new Axed is now officially open, right in the heart of the village.
With the sporadic, jump-inducing WHACK!—and ensuing cheers—fading into the background, Melissa delivers a quick history synopsis of this family-owned business.
In late 2018 Melissa and Johnny opened their first brick-and-mortar location in Thornbury, adding a permanent location to their already successful mobile axe-throwing business. That trailer made its debut just a few months earlier and is still in demand today, appearing at events and businesses throughout the area.
The Thornbury location experienced a great run, hosting groups and events, walk-ins and leagues, before COVID restrictions led to its closure. But the couple kept their eyes on the prize, and within just a few months they got the news they’d been hoping for: The Blue Mountain location was theirs.
Stacks of approvals (Alcohol and axes belong together, really they do!) and months of renovations later, they enthusiastically opened their doors on November 12. “The space is perfect, and we’ve just hit the ground running,” says Melissa.
Johnny has an eye for woodwork design, and Melissa’s experience in the restaurant and bar industry keeps her keenly focused on people movement and organization. The result of their teamwork is a mountain-inspired, adaptable space that just says fun. A specialized projection system on each of the six throwing lanes offers users options from traditional bull’s-eyes to zombie targets and tick-tack-toe, ramping up the fun factor exponentially.
They’re grateful to be open in time for the winter season and time slots are filling quickly, including corporate events catered by their local food partner, Culinary Designs.
With plans for outdoor lanes on the patio next spring, they’re looking forward to what the future holds in their new space. “I just believe in this so much, and can’t wait to watch it grow,” says Melissa.
Axed accepts both online reservations and walk-ins and welcomes larger groups, as well. See axedthrowing.com for more details, and get pumped to join in on the fun via their social media accounts: @axedthrowing.
