by Jessica Buchholz, Events Coordinator | May 10, 2022
Patrons will soon have a new way to embrace their inner lumberjack all while enjoying a cold beverage and hanging with friends. Main Street Axe Company, Emporia plans to open its doors on May 18th in downtown Emporia at 616 Commercial.
After going through a complete revamp, the location will be home to six lanes of axe throwing, a spot for corn hole and a bar serving a variety of frosty brews. Customers are also welcome to bring in food.
Axe throwing is a sport in which competitors throw an axe at a target while attempting to hit a bullseye.
So how does one join in the fun? While walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended to make a reservation. Axe throwers must be at least 12 years of age (and accompanied by an engaged guardian or parent when under 18) and be wearing closed toed shoes. Everyone throwing must sign a waiver. Once those details are complete, the staff at Main Street Axe Company will walk you through how to play. Lanes are separated by wood and metal fencing for safety.
Pricing is based on a per person basis and comes in 1.5 hour and 2-hour sessions. Private parties are also available.
Main Street Axe Company is based in Pittsburg, Kansas with additional locations in Joplin, Missouri and now Emporia, Kansas. Local resident, Calebh Shedd, is the General Manager and co-owner of the Emporia location. This store is part of an expansion of the Main Street Axe Company brand whose passion is empowering small town residents to have an ownership stake in what they are passionate about.
“I have always wanted to have my own business,” explains Shedd. “I have always been competitive and love challenges. When I visited the Pittsburg location, I realized I wanted to have my own axe throwing location.”
Shedd, a graduate from Burlington High School, has been working with the Emporia Main Street organization through his business development process.
“Emporia Main Street has not only helped me secure my business financing, but they have also been there to answer my questions and give me tips and advice,” said Shedd. “They have really kept me going in the right direction.”
This fall, Shedd also graduated from the Start Your Own Business Class. A program hosted by Emporia Main Street and the Small Business Development Center at Emporia State University.
“Emporia Main Street is excited to see Main Street Axe Company come to downtown Emporia. This type of entertainment option will be great for the local community, and will bring visitors in from the surrounding area,” said Emporia Main Street Director, Casey Woods. “I am pleased to see yet another business start-up in Emporia and utilize all the resources Main Street has to offer.”
The Grand Opening for Main Street Axe Company, Emporia will take place on May 18th, 2022. The venue will be open from 11:30 am to 5pm for an open house with refreshments and giveaways. Patrons are encouraged to come in and try their hand at axe throwing from 5pm to 10pm that evening.
For more information on hours of operation and reservations, please visit Main Street Axe Company on Facebook and Instagram. Shedd is also available by phone at 620-778-5291. For more information on the Start Your Own Business Class or development resources, please contact Emporia Main Street at 620-340-6430.