You don’t have to wear a flannel shirt or have a beard like a lumberjack to perfect your axe throwing skills. But if you want to try your hand at flinging an axe you will soon get your chance in St. Joseph, Missouri when this popular form of entertainment comes to town.
The Axe Factor will soon open its doors at 1302 Frederick Avenue, close to the popular River Bluff Brewing Company, in the expanding downtown area. Owners Bruce Baker and Matt Wieners plan to open the indoor facility this month.
It gives St. Joseph residents something to do and someplace to go. “It’s something very different,” Bruce said. “We want to show people a good time right here in our town. There is no need to travel to Kansas City.”
Having lived here all his life, Bruce hopes to be a key part of helping to revitalize downtown. Several locations were looked at and with the help of Annette Weeks, Director for the Center of Entrepreneurship at Missouri Western State University’s Craig School of Business & Technology, they found their location. “The basement is perfect, Bruce said. “A match made in heaven.”
They are currently cleaning up the space and practicing their axe throwing too. They will be providing coaching for newcomers to the sport and leagues will be forming soon. The Axe Factor has also joined as members of WATL, the World Axe Throwing League which televises national the championships on ESPN.
This new year-round entertainment will be alcohol free, but there will be soda, water and snacks for sale. Outside food will be allowed and you must be at least 13 years old to throw. It will be a great place for friends to hang out, families to come for fun and team bonding for those who work together.
At SJC Marketing, we love to support local businesses and think the Axe Factor would be great for some team bonding. Any thoughts on which SJC team member would have the best throws? We will keep you posted!