Start an Axe Throwing Business

Launching a Profitable Axe Throwing Venue the Right Way

Starting an axe throwing business might sound risky, but the category has grown quickly over the past decade and remains popular in many markets. This modern take on an old skill has moved from niche leagues to mainstream entertainment, with profits depending on smart execution and strong local demand.

You’re about to discover everything you need to launch your own axe throwing venture. We’ll walk through the essential steps, critical safety considerations, and insider tips that can make the difference between a thriving business and a costly mistake.

Let’s dive into the world of axes, targets, and profitable fun.

1.) Research the Axe Throwing Industry

Before you invest a single dollar, you need to understand what you’re getting into. Smart research saves you from expensive surprises later.

Getting the Inside Scoop

The best business decisions come from real-world insights, not internet speculation. Here are four proven methods to gather the intelligence you need.

Method One: Talk to Business Owners

Find axe throwing businesses that are for sale and schedule meetings with the owners. Tell them you’re exploring the possibility of buying an existing operation before starting from scratch. This honest approach opens doors to valuable conversations.

Start with relationship-building questions:

What drew you to the axe throwing business?
How long have you been operating?
What aspects do you enjoy most?
What challenges keep you up at night?
If you could start over, what would you change?

Once you’ve established rapport, dig into the business details:

What was last year’s revenue?
How much of that translates to actual profit?
Which services generate the most money?
What are your monthly operating expenses?
How much do you invest in marketing?
Who makes up your typical customer base?
When are your busiest periods?
How many staff members do you need?

Take detailed notes during these conversations. The insights you gain are worth their weight in gold.

Method Two: Explore Franchise Options

Apply the same interview approach to franchise opportunities. Franchise representatives often share detailed financial projections and operational data that independent owners might keep close to their chest.

Method Three: Study Published Interviews

Search for interviews with successful axe throwing business owners. Many entrepreneurs love sharing their stories, and their experiences can shortcut your learning curve by years.

Method Four: Network Outside Your Market

Contact axe throwing business owners in distant markets. Explain that you’re considering opening in a different area and ask for advice. Since you’re not a direct competitor, many will be surprisingly generous with their knowledge.

This approach sometimes leads to ongoing mentorship relationships that prove invaluable as you grow.

Expanding Your Industry Knowledge

The more you understand axe throwing culture and trends, the better positioned you’ll be to succeed. Immerse yourself in the industry through:

Industry newsletters and publications
YouTube channels focused on axe throwing
Blogs from successful operators
Social media groups and forums
Trade publications and websites

Knowledge is your competitive advantage. The time you invest in learning pays dividends when you’re making critical business decisions.

Choosing Your Location

Location can make or break your axe throwing business. You need enough demand to support your operation, but you don’t want to dive into an oversaturated market.

Look for areas with:

Demographics that match your target customers (often young adults, commonly 21–40 with a strong 25–34 core—validate with local research.
Sufficient population density to support regular business
Limited direct competition
Good visibility and accessibility
Adequate parking for groups

Avoid locations with noise restrictions that might limit your operating hours or customer capacity.

Defining Your Business Model

Not all axe throwing businesses are created equal. Your model affects everything from startup costs to target customers. Consider these popular approaches:

Entertainment Center Model: Focus purely on axe throwing with multiple lanes, group events, and competitive leagues.

Bar and Axe Model: Combine axe throwing with food and beverage service. This increases revenue per customer but adds complexity and licensing requirements.

Competition Arena: Cater to serious throwers with tournament-grade facilities and professional coaching.

Mobile Axe Throwing: Bring the experience to events, festivals, and private parties with portable setups.

Your chosen model shapes every other decision you’ll make, so choose thoughtfully.

2.) Choose a Name for Your Axe Throwing Business

Your business name is your first impression and lasting brand. It needs to be memorable, easy to pronounce, and available as a domain name.

Start by brainstorming names that capture the excitement and energy of axe throwing. Online name generators can spark creativity, but don’t rely on them entirely.

Once you have a list of potential names, step away for a few days. Fresh perspective often reveals the clear winner.

Before making your final decision:

Say each name out loud
Use it in conversation
Check domain availability
Verify it’s not already trademarked
Make sure it works in marketing materials

A strong name becomes a valuable business asset. Take time to get it right.

3.) Legalizing Your Business

Getting your legal foundation right protects you and legitimizes your operation. Don’t cut corners here.

Choosing Your Business Structure

Your business structure affects taxes, liability, and operational flexibility. Here are your main options:

Sole Proprietorship: Simplest to establish, but offers no personal asset protection. If someone sues your business, your personal assets are at risk.

Limited Liability Company (LLC): Provides personal asset protection while maintaining operational flexibility. This is often the sweet spot for small businesses.

Corporation: Maximum protection but more complex setup and ongoing requirements.

Given the liability risks in axe throwing, most attorneys recommend avoiding sole proprietorship. Consult professionals who understand business structures to make the right choice for your situation.

Getting Your Tax ID

Depending on your business structure and whether you’ll have employees, you may need a federal tax ID number. Your attorney or accountant will guide you through this requirement.

Learn more about obtaining your business tax ID to ensure you’re compliant from day one.

Local Permits and Regulations

Axe throwing businesses face unique regulatory challenges. Contact your local municipality to understand:

Zoning requirements for recreational businesses
Safety permits and inspections
Noise ordinances and operating hour restrictions
Fire department approvals
Building code compliance
Alcohol licensing (if applicable)

Some jurisdictions have specific regulations for businesses involving projectiles. Start this process early because permits can take months to obtain.

4.) Create Your Corporate Identity

Your visual brand tells customers what to expect before they walk through your door. Professional branding signals quality and builds trust.

Your corporate identity includes:

Logo design
Color scheme
Typography choices
Business signage
Marketing materials
Website design

If budget is tight initially, prioritize your logo, storefront sign, and business cards. You can expand your brand materials as revenue grows.

Invest in professional design. Your brand creates first impressions that either attract customers or send them to competitors.

5.) Estimating Your Startup Costs

Accurate cost estimation prevents nasty financial surprises. Your costs vary dramatically based on your business model, location, and scale.

Typical major expenses include:

Facility lease and renovations
Axe throwing equipment and safety barriers
Insurance (substantial for this industry)
Initial inventory and supplies
Marketing and signage
Professional services (legal, accounting)
Operating capital for first few months

Create detailed line items for every expense you can think of. Then add 20-30% contingency for items you haven’t considered.

Underestimating costs is one of the fastest ways to fail. Be thorough and realistic in your projections.

6.) Axe Throwing Equipment

Safety comes first in equipment selection. Your reputation and legal liability depend on choosing quality gear.

Essential equipment includes:

Professional throwing axes (balanced for the sport)
Wood targets with painted/scored rings that meet IATF/WATL standards
Approved lane dividers plus safety barriers/netting
First-aid supplies and an incident log
Visible safety rules/briefing materials posted at each lane

Visit established axe throwing businesses to see equipment in action. Talk to suppliers who specialize in recreational throwing sports rather than general sporting goods companies.

Quality equipment costs more upfront but reduces maintenance, replacement, and liability issues down the road.

7.) Write Your Business Plan

Your business plan serves two critical purposes: it forces you to think through your strategy, and it’s required for financing.

A comprehensive business plan should cover:

Executive summary
Market analysis
Competition assessment
Marketing strategy
Operations plan
Management structure
Financial projections
Funding requirements

Don’t view this as busy work. The planning process often reveals opportunities and challenges you hadn’t considered.

If you’re seeking financing, your business plan needs to be professional and persuasive. Banks and investors won’t consider incomplete or amateurish plans.

8.) Banking Setup

Choose your bank carefully. You want more than just checking and savings accounts – you want a banking partner.

Look for:

Convenient location for daily deposits
Competitive business account terms
Merchant services for credit card processing
Business lending capabilities
A banker who understands your industry

Building a relationship with a knowledgeable banker can help when you need loans or financial advice.

You’ll also need merchant account services to process credit and debit card payments. Most customers expect to pay with cards, especially for entertainment purchases.

9.) Get Funding for Your Business

Most axe throwing businesses require substantial upfront investment. Unless you have significant personal savings, you’ll need external funding.

Banks view new businesses as high-risk investments. Don’t get discouraged if your first loan applications are declined. Use rejection feedback to strengthen your application for the next lender.

Funding options include:

Traditional bank loans
SBA loans with government guarantees
Equipment financing
Business partners or investors
Personal savings and friends/family

Understanding the loan process improves your chances of approval and helps you present your best case to lenders.

10.) Software Setup

Modern businesses run on software. You’ll need systems for:

Point of sale (POS) for transactions
Booking and reservation management
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Accounting and financial tracking
Employee scheduling
Inventory management

If you’re serving food and beverages, look for restaurant-specific POS systems. For pure entertainment, recreational business software might be more appropriate.

Read reviews and request demos before committing. Software switches are expensive and disruptive once you’re operational.

11.) Get Your Business Insured

Insurance isn’t optional for axe throwing businesses. Despite all safety precautions, accidents can happen. Insufficient coverage could bankrupt your business.

Work with brokers who understand recreational businesses and liability risks. You’ll likely need:

General liability insurance
Property insurance
Product liability coverage
Business interruption insurance
Workers’ compensation (if you have employees)

Don’t shop for the cheapest policy. Your insurance broker should help you understand coverage gaps and ensure adequate protection.

Start insurance discussions early because coverage requirements might influence your facility design and safety procedures.

12.) Office Setup

Your office becomes mission control as your business grows. Design it for efficiency and organization from the start.

Essential elements include:

Comfortable desk and seating
Adequate lighting
File storage systems
Computer and communication equipment
Security for sensitive documents

As you spend more time on administrative tasks, a well-organized office saves hours and reduces stress.

13.) Create an External Support Team

Building a team of professional advisors gives you expert guidance without full-time employee costs.

Your team might include:

Attorney (liability and contract expertise)
Accountant (tax planning and financial management)
Insurance broker (risk management)
Marketing consultant (customer acquisition)
Business mentor (strategic guidance)

Treat these professionals as partners in your success. Their expertise can prevent costly mistakes and identify growth opportunities.

14.) Hiring Employees

Start by doing everything yourself to understand all aspects of your business. As you grow, hire strategically to fill critical needs.

When calculating hiring costs, think annually rather than hourly. A small team of four employees can easily cost six figures per year when you include wages, benefits, taxes, and training.

Take hiring seriously because the wrong person costs you time, money, and customer satisfaction. It’s easier to hire carefully than to fire and start over.

What to Consider Before Starting

Is This Business Right for You?

Starting any business requires significant commitment, but axe throwing presents unique challenges. Ask yourself:

Are you passionate about recreational activities and customer service?
Can you handle the liability risks associated with projectile sports?
Do you have the patience to educate customers about a relatively new activity?
Are you prepared for seasonal fluctuations in business?

Passion drives persistence through inevitable challenges. If you’re just looking for a quick profit, consider other opportunities.

Do You Have the Necessary Skills?

Successful axe throwing business owners need:

Customer service excellence
Safety management expertise
Basic business operations knowledge
Marketing and promotion skills
Financial management abilities

Don’t worry if you lack some skills. You can learn, hire expertise, or partner with people who complement your strengths.

Start Fresh or Buy Existing?

Both approaches have merit:

Starting Fresh:

Lower initial investment
Complete control over setup and procedures
No inherited problems or bad reputation
Ability to implement latest safety standards

Buying Existing:

Immediate revenue stream
Established customer base
Proven operational systems
Existing permits and licenses

Weigh these factors against your budget, timeline, and risk tolerance.

Should You Consider Franchising?

Axe throwing franchises and multi-location brands have expanded for more than a decade. Franchising offers:

Advantages:

Proven business model
Training and ongoing support
Marketing and branding assistance
Bulk purchasing power

Disadvantages:

Ongoing franchise fees
Limited operational flexibility
Standardized approach may not fit your market
Higher initial investment

Research available franchise opportunities, but don’t assume franchising guarantees success.

Axe Throwing Business Considerations

Understanding the Industry Evolution

Axe throwing has transformed from ancient skill practice to modern entertainment phenomenon. The first commercial axe throwing bar opened in Toronto in 2011, and the concept has exploded across North America.

This growth creates opportunities but also challenges:

Opportunities:

Rising consumer interest in unique experiences
Strong social media marketing potential
Corporate team-building market
League and tournament possibilities

Challenges:

Increasing competition as the market matures
Potential regulatory backlash if safety incidents occur
Seasonal fluctuations in many markets
High insurance and liability costs

Safety: Your Top Priority

Safety isn’t just about avoiding accidents – it’s about building customer confidence and protecting your business.

Essential safety measures include:

Comprehensive customer briefings before throwing
Trained staff supervision at all times
Clear lane boundaries and safety barriers
Regular equipment inspection and maintenance
Detailed incident reporting procedures
Age restrictions and sobriety policies

Treat your venue like a high-liability recreational facility: strict lane rules, active supervision, impairment controls, and adherence to IATF/WATL safety standards.

Legal Protection Strategies

Work with attorneys experienced in recreational businesses to develop:

Comprehensive liability waivers
Clear rules and safety policies
Emergency response procedures
Staff training protocols
Insurance coordination strategies

Don’t rely on generic waiver forms. Your legal protection must address the specific risks of axe throwing.

Marketing Unique Experiences

Since many potential customers haven’t tried axe throwing, education is part of your marketing strategy.

Effective approaches include:

Social media demonstrations and customer videos
Community event participation
Corporate group packages
Birthday party and celebration hosting
Competitive leagues and tournaments

Consider hosting a grand opening tournament with prizes to generate buzz and introduce your business to the community. Focus on awareness rather than immediate profit for your first major event.

Managing Alcohol and Axes

If you choose the bar model, managing alcohol consumption becomes critical. Establish clear policies about:

Blood alcohol limits for participation
Staff training to identify impaired customers
Alternative activities for intoxicated guests
Liability procedures and documentation

Some operators use breathalyzers to ensure customer safety and limit liability exposure.

Building Repeat Business

One-time customers don’t build sustainable businesses. Create reasons for people to return:

League play with regular schedules
Progressive skill challenges and certifications
Corporate partnership programs
Special events and themed nights
Customer loyalty rewards

The most successful axe throwing businesses become community gathering places rather than just occasional entertainment destinations.

Final Thoughts

Starting an axe throwing business combines the excitement of a growing industry with the challenges of managing a high-liability operation. Success requires careful planning, significant attention to safety, and commitment to customer education and experience.

The entrepreneurs who thrive in this space are those who genuinely enjoy helping people have fun while maintaining uncompromising safety standards. If that describes you, and you’re willing to put in the work required for any successful business, axe throwing might be your target.

Remember that every successful business starts with thorough preparation. Use this guide as your roadmap, but don’t skip steps or cut corners on safety and legal requirements. Your future customers – and your business success – depend on getting the fundamentals right from day one.