A woman in flannel prepares to throw an axe at a rustic wooden target within a moody, cinematic axe throwing venue.

Axe Throwing Business: What to Know Before You Start

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How to Start an Axe Throwing Business

An axe throwing business gives customers a supervised place to throw axes at wood targets in indoor lanes. It sounds simple from the outside. Before you can open, though, you need the right space, safe lane design, trained staff, booking and waiver systems, insurance, and local approvals.

This is a venue business. That means customer flow matters from the first booking to the final payment. A guest should know how to reserve, where to check in, when to sign a waiver, where to stand, how to throw safely, and how the session ends.

If one handoff breaks, the experience feels messy. If a safety handoff breaks, the risk is much bigger.

Before you follow the startup path, think about whether this business fits you. You may like the idea of a fun entertainment venue, but can you enforce safety rules when a group gets loud? Can you handle evening and weekend demand? Can you manage rent, build-out delays, insurance, staff training, and income uncertainty before the business is steady?

Also think about your personal life. You may need savings for living expenses while the venue is being built, inspected, tested, and opened. Household support matters because the early stage can affect time, stress, and cash flow.

Passion helps, but it should be grounded. Do you have a real interest in the business, the guest experience, the safety process, and the daily responsibilities?

Are you moving toward something or running away from something? Don’t start only because you want to escape a job, chase status, or force quick income. A venue business needs patience before opening and discipline once customers arrive.

It also helps to review the broader startup process, but don’t treat a general checklist as enough. An axe throwing venue has its own setup path.

Talk with experienced owners before you commit. Speak only with owners you won’t compete against, such as owners in another city or market. Prepare questions before the conversation. Ask about build-out delays, lane layout, insurance, staff training, board replacement, alcohol decisions, and what they would change if they started again.

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Their path may not match yours. Still, firsthand owner insight can show you issues that are hard to see from the outside. A deeper inside look from real business owners can help you ask better questions.

Red Flags Before You Start

Some warnings should make you pause before you sign a lease, buy equipment, or order lumber. These are start-or-stop issues, not small setup tasks.

  • Zoning does not fit: If the city won’t allow indoor recreation, amusement, entertainment, or assembly use at the address, pause before moving forward.
  • The space cannot support the business: Low ceilings, poor exits, weak restroom access, limited parking, or fire-code problems can make the location unsuitable.
  • Certificate of occupancy concerns: If the space cannot be approved for the intended use, choose another location or rethink the model.
  • Insurance is unclear: Don’t move forward if coverage excludes customers throwing axes, alcohol-related risk, minors, events, or other core parts of the plan.
  • Demand is too weak: If local interest depends only on novelty, verify group demand, repeat entertainment demand, and league potential before committing to rent.
  • Competition limits pricing: A crowded market can make it harder to cover rent, staff, insurance, target boards, and downtime between groups.
  • Funding is not realistic: If you can’t fund the lease, build-out, equipment, inspections, software, insurance, staff training, and opening supplies, delay the launch.
  • You dislike rule enforcement: An axe throwing venue needs an owner who can protect the experience without ignoring safety.
  • The lease blocks key needs: Watch for limits on use, construction, signage, events, alcohol, noise, or operating hours.

These red flags don’t always mean you should quit. They may mean you need a different space, a simpler model, more funding, or a slower start.

Step 1: Confirm Your Fit for an Axe Throwing Business

An axe throwing business is not just a fun room with targets. It’s a supervised recreation venue where you and your staff must keep the customer experience safe, clear, and reliable.

Start by looking at the real workflow. A customer books a session, arrives at the venue, signs a waiver, receives a safety briefing, enters a lane, throws under supervision, pays or closes out, and leaves the space ready for the next group.

That process needs people who can manage timing, behavior, safety, cleaning, and equipment checks. If you prefer quiet solo tasks, this may not be the best fit.

Ask yourself:

  • Can you handle groups, noise, and peak-time pressure?
  • Can you stay calm when guests ignore instructions?
  • Can you train staff to give the same safety briefing every time?
  • Can you handle evening and weekend hours?
  • Can you inspect targets, axes, lanes, and customer areas before sessions?

Also consider your risk tolerance. This business involves physical activity, sharp tools, public visitors, and facility responsibilities. You must take safety seriously from the first planning step.

Step 2: Talk With Non-Competing Venue Owners

Before you can make smart setup choices, you need to understand what actually happens inside an axe throwing venue. Other owners can help you see the handoffs that matter.

Speak with owners outside your market. Don’t ask direct competitors for advice. Look for owners in another city, region, or state who are less likely to see you as a threat.

Prepare your questions before you talk. Focus on decisions that affect launch readiness:

  • What surprised them during build-out?
  • How did they choose lane count and layout?
  • How often do they replace target boards?
  • What did insurers ask before coverage was approved?
  • What changed after they trained their first staff?
  • Did alcohol help the model or make it harder?
  • What customer-flow problems showed up during early sessions?

These conversations are valuable because experienced owners have lived through the setup process. Their exact journey may differ from yours, but their lessons can help you avoid poor early decisions.

Step 3: Choose Your Launch Model

Before you can price the build-out, choose a location, or buy axes, you need to define the model. For this guide, the main path is a fixed indoor axe throwing venue.

That typically means throwing lanes, targets, safety barriers, check-in, waiver collection, customer seating, booking software, payment systems, staff supervision, and restrooms.

Then decide what the venue will include at launch. Keep the first version realistic.

  • Timed throwing sessions
  • Walk-ins if capacity allows
  • Private group bookings
  • Corporate or team events
  • Birthday parties
  • League nights
  • Tournaments
  • Food or beverage service, if approved
  • Beer, wine, or liquor service, if approved

Each add-on affects the setup process. Alcohol can change licensing, insurance, age checks, staff training, and supervision. Food service can add health department rules, equipment, storage, and inspections.

You can also compare entry paths. Starting from scratch gives you more control but creates more setup responsibility. Buying an existing venue may reduce some build-out uncertainty, but you still need due diligence. Franchising may provide a system, but it can limit control and add fees.

The right path depends on your budget, timeline, support needs, risk tolerance, and whether a suitable venue or franchise is available. A closer look at whether to start from scratch or buy a business can help frame that decision.

Step 4: Validate Local Demand and Competition

An axe throwing venue carries fixed costs before the first customer throws. Before you commit to a space, test whether your market can support the concept.

Look at both direct and indirect competition. Direct competitors include other axe throwing venues. Indirect competitors may include bowling alleys, escape rooms, arcades, indoor golf, rage rooms, billiards rooms, darts bars, trampoline parks, and event venues.

Then look at the customer base. Your venue may draw casual groups, date-night customers, birthday parties, corporate teams, bachelor or bachelorette groups, league players, tournament players, and event organizers.

Demand is not only about whether people think axe throwing sounds fun. It’s also about whether enough people will book sessions at prices that cover rent, staff, insurance, equipment replacement, cleaning time, and downtime between groups.

Use local supply and demand as a go-or-no-go check. If the market looks too small or too crowded, pause before spending on a lease.

Step 5: Define the Customer Setup and Service Mix

Before you can design the venue workflow, decide what the customer will actually buy. The offer affects capacity, staff coverage, booking rules, and lane layout.

A simple session model is different from a private-event model. League play is different from casual walk-ins. Tournaments require more structure, timing, scoring, and staff attention.

Common startup offers include:

  • Per-person timed sessions
  • Lane rentals
  • Private group bookings
  • Corporate or team events
  • Birthday events
  • League nights
  • Tournaments
  • Basic coaching or instruction

If you want organized league or tournament play, decide early whether you’ll follow World Axe Throwing League standards, International Axe Throwing Federation standards, or house rules. That choice affects target dimensions, scoring, lane setup, and customer expectations.

Think of the service mix as a workflow decision. Before a customer arrives, the booking system should show the session length, group size, lane assignment, waiver status, payment status, and staff coverage needed.

Step 6: Organize Your Startup Decisions

An axe throwing business has too many moving parts to plan from memory. You need a written plan that connects the venue concept to the setup process.

Use the plan to organize what must happen before each handoff. Before you sign a lease, you need zoning and occupancy answers. Before you buy equipment, you need the lane design. Before you hire staff, you need the safety process defined.

Business Plan

Your business plan should be practical, not fancy. It should help you decide what to do, what to verify, what to price out, and what must be ready before opening.

For an axe throwing venue, include:

  • Venue concept: Define whether you’ll focus on casual sessions, private events, leagues, tournaments, or a mix.
  • Customer groups: Identify the customer types your local market can realistically support.
  • Location criteria: List ceiling height, lane length, parking, restrooms, exits, accessibility, and certificate of occupancy needs.
  • Lane count and capacity: Connect the layout to booking rules, staff coverage, and safe customer flow.
  • Safety process: Outline waivers, briefings, lane supervision, axe handling, incident reports, and emergency response.
  • Equipment list: Include targets, boards, axes, barriers, tools, scoring items, first aid supplies, and software.
  • Staffing plan: Define front desk, coach, lane monitor, manager, and food or beverage roles if needed.
  • Pricing assumptions: Connect session length, group size, private bookings, leagues, staff time, and fixed costs.
  • Funding need: Show what must be paid before the venue can open.
  • Opening checklist: Track approvals, inspections, insurance, software, training, and test sessions.

A guide to writing a business plan can help with structure, but keep your plan tied to this venue. The goal is not paperwork. The goal is a safer launch.

Step 7: Plan Startup Costs Before You Commit

Don’t guess your startup costs. Price out the specific items your axe throwing venue needs before you sign a lease, start construction, or order equipment.

Cost planning starts with the customer workflow. A guest needs a booking path, check-in, waiver, safety briefing, lane access, throwing session, payment, and exit. Each step needs space, staff, systems, or supplies.

Major items to price out include:

  • Lease deposits and pre-opening rent
  • Design or contractor help if needed
  • Legal review for the lease, waiver, and entity setup
  • Zoning, certificate of occupancy, permit, and inspection fees
  • Tenant improvements
  • Lane and target build-out
  • Lumber and replacement-board inventory
  • Axes and maintenance tools
  • Safety barriers and floor protection
  • Furniture and customer areas
  • Booking, waiver, and payment systems
  • Insurance
  • Staff recruiting and training
  • Required signs, notices, and postings
  • Opening supplies

Several choices can raise or lower startup costs. A larger venue, more lanes, food service, alcohol service, digital scoring, major construction, accessibility upgrades, fire-system changes, or a change of use can all affect the budget.

Don’t rely on a single estimate from another owner. Your costs depend on your space, local rules, build-out needs, staffing plan, insurance review, and service mix.

Step 8: Check Funding Before Major Spending

Before you commit to major expenses, confirm how the startup will be funded. A venue can tie up capital before opening because rent, build-out, equipment, inspections, insurance, and staff training all happen early.

Possible funding options include owner savings, documented family or friend funding, small business loans, equipment financing, investors, franchise financing if applicable, or a tenant improvement allowance from a landlord.

Match the funding to the timeline. The startup may need additional capital before steady customer revenue begins—especially if approvals, construction, inspections, or software setup take longer than expected.

If you plan to borrow, learn what lenders need before you apply. A practical guide to getting a business loan can help you prepare, but the lender will still judge your specific plan, credit, collateral, and repayment ability.

Step 9: Choose Your Legal Structure and Business Name

Before you open bank accounts or apply for some permits, choose a legal structure. The structure affects taxes, liability, paperwork, and ownership.

Common options include sole proprietorship, limited liability company, partnership, or corporation. The right choice depends on ownership, risk, tax planning, and professional advice.

You also need a business name. Check whether the name is available in your state, whether a Doing Business As name is needed, and whether the public-facing venue name matches your filings.

For an axe throwing business, the name also affects customer trust at launch. It should work on signs, booking pages, waivers, receipts, and customer communications.

Don’t wait until late in the process to check the name. If it fails a state search, domain check, or trademark review, your signs and systems may need to change.

Step 10: Register the Business and Get Tax IDs

Once you choose the structure and name, register the business when required. After that, get an Employer Identification Number if needed for taxes, hiring, banking, licenses, or permits.

Keep the sequence clean. Registration and tax setup often come before a business bank account, merchant services, employer accounts, and some local applications.

You may also need state tax accounts, sales tax registration, employer withholding, unemployment accounts, new-hire reporting, and workers’ compensation setup if you hire staff. These rules vary by state.

This is also where you begin separating business transactions from personal ones. A guide to opening a business bank account can help you understand what banks may ask for.

Step 11: Screen Locations Before Signing a Lease

The location decision can make or break an axe throwing venue. Before you sign, confirm that the building can support the use, layout, customer flow, and safety plan.

Check zoning first. The city may classify the business as indoor recreation, amusement, entertainment, assembly, sports instruction, a bar or tavern, or mixed use. The label matters because it can affect approvals.

Also review the physical space. An axe throwing venue needs safe throwing lanes, target walls, customer seating outside the throwing area, staff sight lines, restrooms, exits, and room for check-in.

Important location checks include:

  • Zoning for indoor recreation or amusement use
  • Certificate of occupancy path
  • Ceiling height for throwing lanes
  • Lane length and width
  • Emergency exits
  • Restroom access
  • Parking
  • Accessibility
  • Fire protection
  • Signage rules
  • Noise or neighbor concerns

If your target format follows World Axe Throwing League, International Axe Throwing Federation, or another rule set, confirm the required lane and target measurements before the lease is final.

Read the lease for use limits, construction rights, signage, alcohol, events, noise, and exit terms. If the lease doesn’t support the venue you plan to run, pause.

Step 12: Verify Occupancy, Fire, and Local Approvals

Before customers can use the venue, the space must be legally ready for that use. This is where many facility startups slow down.

Rules vary by U.S. jurisdiction, so verify them locally. Don’t assume that a prior retail, office, warehouse, or restaurant use automatically qualifies for axe throwing.

Ask the building department whether the space needs a new certificate of occupancy, a change-of-use review, tenant improvement permits, or assembly approval. Ask the fire department about occupancy load, exits, fire extinguishers, alarms, sprinklers, emergency lighting, and capacity signs.

Some cities may also require a public amusement, entertainment, or similar license. Others may not. Check before opening.

If you plan to serve alcohol, contact the state alcohol board and city or county licensing office. If you plan to serve food, contact the local health department. Food and alcohol can add permits, inspections, required postings, staff training, and insurance questions.

Also keep accessibility in view. A public venue should address accessible routes, entrances, restrooms, check-in, seating, and customer flow before construction is finished.

Step 13: Decide Food and Alcohol Before the Layout Is Final

Food and alcohol can change the business model. They can also change the space, licenses, staff roles, insurance, and customer supervision.

If you sell alcohol, you may need state and local approvals. Retail alcohol sellers may also have federal registration or recordkeeping duties, depending on the activity. Local rules and insurance terms still apply.

If you allow bring-your-own beverages, don’t assume that avoids all risk. Ask your insurer, landlord, city or county licensing office, and state alcohol authority before you build that into the model.

Food service also needs early attention. Prepackaged snacks, drinks, catering, food trucks, prepared food, or a kitchen can trigger different local health department rules.

Make this decision before the layout is final. A bar, kitchen, cooler, storage area, sinks, service counter, or food-prep area can affect plumbing, electrical, permits, inspections, cleaning, staff training, and customer flow.

Step 14: Design the Lane and Safety Layout

An axe throwing venue should be designed around safe movement. Customers need to know where to stand, where to throw, where to wait, and how to leave the lane.

Start with the throwing lane. Then work backward through the customer path. Where does the guest check in? Where is the waiver confirmed? Where does the safety briefing happen? Where do spectators sit? Where does staff stand to monitor lanes?

Core layout items include:

  • Throwing lanes
  • Target walls
  • Backboards and target boards
  • Lane dividers, fences, or walls
  • Fault lines
  • Spectator boundaries
  • Customer seating
  • Staff sight lines
  • Axe storage
  • First aid location
  • Restrooms and exits

World Axe Throwing League-style target construction can include wall backing, backboards, and target boards made from lumber. If you choose International Axe Throwing Federation standards instead, confirm the target and lane details before construction.

The key decision is consistency. Don’t build half the venue around one rule set and then run events under another.

Step 15: Build or Contract the Venue Setup

Once the design is clear and approvals are known, the build-out can begin. Before construction starts, confirm whether local permits or licensed contractors are required.

Work that affects walls, exits, electrical systems, plumbing, fire systems, accessibility, bars, kitchens, signs, or occupancy should go through the proper local review process.

The lane build-out should protect both throwers and spectators. Fences, walls, dividers, backstops, target boards, and floor protection should be installed before customer testing begins.

Plan storage early. Target boards, replacement lumber, tools, axes, cleaning supplies, and first aid supplies need dedicated, secure places. Poor storage creates clutter and slows staff during busy sessions.

Build the venue for the handoffs. Staff should be able to check guests in, verify waivers, move groups into lanes, monitor throwing, reset between sessions, and clear the space for the next booking without confusion.

Step 16: Set Up Insurance, Waivers, and Safety Documents

Insurance and safety documents should be ready before test sessions. Don’t treat waivers as a substitute for safe design, trained staff, or proper coverage.

Start with legally required coverage. If you hire employees, check your state’s workers’ compensation and employer insurance rules.

Then review risk-planning coverage with an insurance professional who understands axe throwing or similar recreation venues. Ask about general liability, participant injury claims, property coverage, liquor liability if alcohol is involved, business interruption, cyber coverage, umbrella coverage, and off-site coverage if you ever add mobile events.

Read exclusions carefully. Some policies may not cover certain events, alcohol arrangements, bring-your-own-beverage setups, minors, tournaments, or off-site throwing.

Have a local attorney review the waiver. Waiver rules vary by state, and a poorly written waiver may not protect you the way you expect.

Prepare the safety documents staff will actually use:

  • Customer waiver
  • Safety rules
  • Safety briefing script
  • Axe inspection checklist
  • Target board inspection checklist
  • Incident report form
  • Emergency contact sheet
  • Staff opening checklist

These documents support the daily workflow. A coach shouldn’t have to improvise the safety talk on the spot.

Step 17: Buy Equipment, Tools, Supplies, and Software

Buy equipment after the venue model, lane design, and approval path are clear. Otherwise, you may buy items that don’t fit the final layout.

An axe throwing venue needs more than axes and boards. It needs the tools, systems, and supplies that move customers through the experience safely.

Core launch items may include:

  • Throwing axes
  • Spare axes
  • Big Axe equipment if offered
  • Target boards
  • Backboards
  • Wall backing
  • Lane dividers or fencing
  • Fault-line materials
  • Floor protection
  • Target stencils
  • Markers or scoring supplies
  • Scoreboards or digital scoring screens
  • Axe storage
  • First aid kits
  • Maintenance tools
  • Replacement lumber storage
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Check-in counter
  • Customer seating
  • Booking software
  • Waiver software
  • Point-of-sale system
  • Payment terminals

Choose systems that fit the booking workflow. Ideally, the reservation, waiver, payment, and schedule should connect cleanly. If staff must check four separate places before a guest can throw, the front desk will slow down.

Step 18: Hire and Train Staff Before Opening

An axe throwing venue can look simple until several groups arrive at once. Staff coverage affects safety, timing, check-in, customer confidence, and cleanup.

Possible roles include front desk staff, axe coaches, lane monitors, judges for league or tournament play, managers, cleaning or maintenance help, and food or beverage staff if licensed.

Train staff before the first public session. They should know the customer path from booking to checkout.

Training should cover:

  • Waiver verification
  • Safety briefings
  • Throwing instruction
  • Lane monitoring
  • Axe retrieval rules
  • Customer behavior issues
  • Emergency response
  • Incident reporting
  • Target and axe inspection
  • Board replacement basics
  • Cleaning between groups

Staff should also know when to stop a session. That may be necessary if a guest ignores safety rules, appears impaired, throws outside the instructions, or creates risk for others.

If you’re unsure when to add staff, review the basics of hiring for a startup. For this business, staffing is not only about service—it’s part of the safety system.

Step 19: Set Up Pricing, Booking, and Payment

Before customers can book, you need pricing rules that match the venue workflow. Pricing should reflect time, space, staff coverage, capacity, and cleanup.

Common pricing structures include per-person sessions, lane rentals, private group bookings, league fees, tournament fees, deposits, cancellation terms, and add-ons such as food or beverage when allowed.

Think through the timing. A session may include check-in, waiver confirmation, safety briefing, throwing time, scorekeeping, payment closeout, and cleanup. If you book sessions too close together, staff may rush through safety or cleaning.

Your booking system should handle:

  • Reservations
  • Group size
  • Session length
  • Lane assignment
  • Waiver status
  • Deposits or prepayment
  • Refund and cancellation rules
  • Receipts
  • Schedule changes

When setting prices, factor in more than what competitors charge. Consider rent, utilities, insurance, staff time, board replacement, software, cleaning, maintenance, and unused capacity.

A guide to pricing products and services can help with the general thinking. Your final pricing still needs to reflect this venue’s capacity and costs.

Step 20: Complete Pre-Opening Checks and Test Runs

Don’t open an axe throwing venue just because construction looks finished. Opening readiness means the full customer flow has been tested.

Start with staff-only test throws. Check the lane layout, target stability, axe condition, fault lines, seating boundaries, scoring, first aid supplies, and staff sight lines.

Then run an invitation-only soft opening. Treat it like a real session. Have guests book, sign waivers, check in, hear the safety briefing, throw, ask questions, pay or close out, and leave.

Watch for delays. Where do people get confused? Does the safety talk take too long? Can staff see every lane? Does the booking system match the actual session length? Is cleanup realistic before the next group arrives?

Before opening to the public, confirm:

  • Approvals and inspections are complete
  • Certificate of occupancy issues are resolved
  • Insurance is active
  • Waiver system works
  • Booking and payment systems work
  • Safety rules are posted
  • Staff are trained
  • Lanes and targets are secure
  • Axes are inspected
  • First aid kits are stocked
  • Incident forms are ready
  • Restrooms and customer areas are ready
  • Required signs and notices are posted
  • Cleanup routines are tested

If the test run exposes a safety, staffing, payment, or compliance problem, delay the public opening. A slower launch is better than a risky one.

Opening-Day Red Flags

Opening-day red flags are different from start-or-stop issues. At this point, the question is whether the venue is ready for real customers.

  • Approvals are incomplete: Don’t open if required permits, inspections, certificate of occupancy items, or local approvals are unresolved.
  • Insurance is not active: Don’t rely on a pending application or verbal promise.
  • Staff are not trained: Don’t open if staff can’t give the safety briefing, monitor lanes, enforce rules, and handle incidents.
  • The waiver process fails: If guests can throw before waivers are confirmed, fix the workflow.
  • Lanes feel confusing: If customers don’t know where to stand, wait, throw, or retrieve, adjust the layout before opening.
  • Axes or targets are not inspection-ready: Damaged equipment or unstable target boards should delay launch.
  • Booking and payment systems are not tested: Front-desk delays can create crowding, frustration, and poor handoffs.
  • First aid and incident forms are missing: These should be in place before the first public session.
  • Cleanup time is unrealistic: If groups overlap before staff can reset the space, adjust the schedule.

The safest opening is not the fastest one. Open when the venue, team, systems, and approvals are ready together.

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions focus on startup decisions for a future axe throwing business owner.

Is an axe throwing business a good fit for a first-time owner?

It can be, but only if you’re comfortable with safety rules, staff supervision, public interaction, facility costs, and local approvals. This is not a passive entertainment business.

What should I verify before spending money?

Verify demand, zoning, certificate of occupancy, fire or assembly rules, insurance availability, lease terms, build-out feasibility, and whether food or alcohol will change approvals.

Should I start from scratch, buy a venue, or explore a franchise?

All three paths can be realistic. Starting from scratch gives more control. Buying may reduce some build-out uncertainty. Franchising may offer a system, but you need to review the franchise documents, fees, restrictions, and support.

Does an axe throwing venue need a special federal license?

Usually not for axe throwing itself. Federal issues may include tax ID setup, workplace safety duties if hiring, accessibility rules for public venues, and possible federal registration or recordkeeping duties if alcohol is sold.

Does the business need a certificate of occupancy?

That varies by U.S. jurisdiction. A fixed commercial venue often needs occupancy review, especially for a new tenant, tenant improvement, or change of use. Check with the local building department before signing a lease.

Can the venue serve alcohol?

Possibly, but alcohol can change state and local licensing, insurance, staff training, age controls, and risk exposure. Verify this with the state alcohol board, city or county licensing office, landlord, and insurer.

Are waivers required?

Waiver rules vary by state, but waivers are common in this industry and may be required by insurers. A waiver does not replace safe lane design, staff training, insurance, or rule enforcement.

What lane standards should I use?

Choose World Axe Throwing League standards, International Axe Throwing Federation standards, or house rules before build-out. The choice affects target dimensions, lane setup, scoring, and event expectations.

What belongs in the business plan before launch?

Include location criteria, lane count, safety design, staffing, training, pricing, permits, insurance, board replacement, software systems, funding, and test sessions.

What are the biggest equipment needs?

You’ll need lanes, targets, target boards, backing boards, axes, safety barriers, floor protection, stencils or markers, tools, first aid supplies, axe storage, booking software, waiver software, and payment systems.

Is food service necessary?

No. Food service is optional. If you add it, expect to also add health permits, equipment, inspections, staff training, storage, and cleaning requirements.

Is mobile axe throwing the same business?

No. Mobile axe throwing changes transport, temporary event permits, outdoor setup, barriers, weather planning, off-site insurance, and staffing. This guide focuses on a fixed indoor venue.

What should be ready before opening day?

Approvals, inspections, insurance, waivers, trained staff, safe lanes, inspected axes, booking and payment systems, posted rules, first aid supplies, and tested customer flow should all be in place before opening.

Advice From Axe Throwing Business Owners

Learning from people already in the axe throwing business can help you see what the startup process looks like beyond the checklist.

These resources include interviews with founders, venue owners, and operators who discuss location choices, customer experience, safety, booking systems, growth, and the realities of running an axe throwing venue.

 

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