New axe throwing venture coming to Springfield

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Last edited 1:25 p.m., Aug. 14, 2018

The out-of-state operators of Springfield Escape Room are bringing their new axe throwing concept to the Queen City.

Greenville, North Carolina, resident Jake Jensen and Lincoln, Nebraska, resident Travis Cornelius, business partners in Escape Games Unlimited LLC, are planning to open locations for their new Craft Axe Throwing LLC venture in cities where they have existing escape rooms, said Trent Larkins, marketing director for the companies.

“It’s a cool experience,” Larkins said of Craft Axe Throwing, where patrons can drink craft beer and throw axes at targets, thus the name. “We started really well here in Greenville [at our first location]. We were looking for cities somewhat similar to Greenville.”

Larkins said the operators are seeking to open at the downtown Wilhoit Plaza in around a month, pending approvals by the city.

Craft Axe Throwing would be located about 1.5 miles away from TommyHawks Axe House, an indoor axe throwing business that launched in March at 1631 W. College St.

Similar to the rise in number of escape rooms, Larkins said he expects axe throwing to grow in popularity. He welcomed the competition from TommyHawks.

“I think the competition is good since it’s a new experience,” he said.

Craft Axe Throwing will have a bar area and ranges for axe throwing at dartboard-like targets.

The company invested $100,000 on initial costs and signed a three-year lease for 4,000 square feet within Wilhoit Plaza, 431 S. Jefferson Ave., Larkins said.