Hatchet Club a sharp addition to area nightlife
Welcome to Hatchet Club, Sugarcreek’s newest activity hotspot. While both competitive and fun, axe-throwing is not your typical night out on the town.
A group of people gather around a table, laughing, chatting and having a fun night out with friends. One of them excuses themselves from the table, picks up an axe and throws it through the air at its intended target. The group erupts as the axe splits the target center-circle — a bull’s-eye.
Welcome to Hatchet Club, Sugarcreek’s newest activity hotspot. While both competitive and fun, axe-throwing is not your typical night out on the town. Hatchet Club is open late and offers a thrilling experience for couples and groups, promising laughter, chatter and the physical presence of throwing.
Owners Bruce and Anna Davison said they are adventurous types who enjoy physical activities that are fun and challenging. When they attended their first axe-throwing competition some time ago, they were absolutely hooked on the sport. It didn’t take long for them to begin formulating the idea of bringing an axe-throwing business to the area.
The couple began looking around for a building, eventually getting into talks with the owners of the former Family Dollar store near McDonald’s in Sugarcreek. Hatchet Club — a 20-lane throwing arena that has become wildly popular — launched in February.
“It’s kind of like bowling on steroids,” Anna Davison said. “It is so much fun, and it is so easy to learn. Ninety-five percent of the people who come in for the first time have never thrown an axe. Our instructors are excellent at teaching them the art, and people pick it up in no time.”
Hatchet Club will present a grand opening April 9-11 on Friday from 4-11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Enjoy food trucks, giveaways, special pricing and more.
“We are going to make a fun and exciting weekend for everyone,” Davison said.
Indoor hatchet throwing is the experience of throwing an axe at a wooden target, and Hatchet Club is recognized by World Axe Throwing League. Safety and guidance are important, so a coach is assigned to every lane, offering expertise to both instruct and assist throwers.
“They are there to teach, and they don’t get in the way of groups having a good time,” Davison said. “Our guests should expect a refined, lounge-like experience.”
When patrons arrive for their reservation at Hatchet Club, they’ll be introduced to their coach, who will provide a brief throwing lesson that includes proper grip, technique and safety instructions. They will be available throughout your reservation to assist you and your group.
Groups will be assigned a lane for axe-throwing, and whether first timers or experienced throwers, they can decide to simply enjoy an hour-and-a-half of casual throwing or enjoy tackling one of Hatchet Club’s five game scenarios.
“People can expect a relaxed, respectful atmosphere where everyone can have an enjoyable evening,” Davison said.
Davison said people can expect to get hooked immediately on the challenge and joy of the sport.
“We’ve had so many people come in not having ever experienced throwing, and so often we hear them say, ‘This is not what I expected, but it was so much fun,’” Davison said. “With the guidance of our instructors, it doesn’t take long to learn how to stick the axe consistently.”
The cost per person for Hatchet Club is $30 per hour, $35 for 90 minutes and $45 for two hours. They also have group rates for 17 or more and a loyalty program to earn free sessions. Patrons also are encouraged to bring their own food if they like, or order delivery and enjoy some pizza, burgers or whatever tickles their taste buds. The large tables allow for plenty of dining room so couples and groups can make an evening of activity and food.
Hatchet Club is located at 528 McDonald Drive NE in Sugarcreek. Call to make reservations at 330-852-6042 or visit the website to book a reservation or learn more at HatchetClub.com. Hatchet Club is open Tuesday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; closed Mondays. This story has been underwritten by Hatchet Club.