Axe throwing as a weekend hobby was a cultural phenomenon that took hold of the American bar scene at the wrong time. Battle Axe, a Wilmington area axe throwing company, opened the doors to a brick-and-mortar business in 2019—just a year before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the public food and entertainment scene. Unfortunately, a hands-on business like axe throwing wasn’t nearly as viable in the post-lockdown recreation landscape.
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After taking time to recoup and pivot, owner Michael Evans is ready to get back in the game—this time, with drinks on-site. A new partnership with Liquid Alchemy Beverages (LAB) in Wilmington allowed Evans to take over the space tucked behind the meadery’s production building and tasting room. The space just happened to be the ideal size for four target lanes.
“When we were starting out, we used to have a mobile wall we would set up at LAB,” he says. The permanent structure means Battle Axe can open for business any time the meadery is open rather than having to plan dates in advance.
“When they would come set up axe throwing on the weekends, we used to get super busy,” says Terri Sorantino, co-owner of Liquid Alchemy Beverages.
The two business owners are looking forward to generating that kind of buzz again with the new collaboration. Both rooted in Nordic and Viking culture, mead and axe throwing make an undeniably great pair. Now that Battle Axe is operating in a space adjacent to the meadery’s outdoor seating area, patrons can easily enjoy both at the same time.
Axe throwing also makes for great private events throughout the spring and summer, from birthday parties to corporate events.
Evans plans to set Wednesdays aside for league play, while weekends will remain open to anyone who wants to throw regardless of experience or skill level. Evans—who has been throwing since he was a teen—works with his team to instruct inexperienced throwers, making for a great first-time experience. A $25 booking gets you a full hour of throwing with instruction. You can book in advance online or just show up and throw.
Liquid Alchemy and Battle Axe are open on Fridays from 4-9 p.m., Saturdays from 2-9 p.m. and Sundays from 12-5 p.m.
Battle Axe at LAB | 28 Brookside Drive, Wilmington
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