Axe Throwing Venue
The bar that fights back — $468K/year from people chucking axes
Axe throwing venues charge $25–$40/person per hour to hurl axes at wooden targets in supervised lanes. The sport exploded from zero venues in 2016 to over 400 in North America by 2024, generating an estimated $300M in industry revenue. The model is a hybrid of entertainment venue and bar — group events, corporate team-building, and bachelor/bachelorette parties drive peak revenue. A 10-lane venue operating at 50% capacity can generate ~$468K/year before alcohol upsells, which can add 20–30% more.
Avg Revenue
$468K
Profit Margin
22%
Acquisition Multiple
1.5x - 3.5x
Startup Cost
$80K - $300K
Difficulty
3/5
How It Works
Customers book lanes (usually 1–2 hours) via online reservation software. Trained 'axe coaches' supervise each session, handle safety briefings, and keep the energy high. Revenue comes from lane fees, group event packages, alcohol sales (where licensed), merchandise, and league memberships. Corporate team-building events are the highest-margin bookings — often $1,000–$5,000 per group with minimal marginal cost.
Revenue Range
Real Acquisitions in This Category
SBA 7(a) change-of-ownership loans · NAICS 713990 · All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries
Deal Size Distribution
Deal Flow Over Time
Financing Profile
Recent Comparable Deals
| Closed | State | Loan | Implied deal | Jobs | Franchise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | SC | $2.7M | $3.1M | 50 | Big Air ; Big Air Trampoline P |
| Dec 2025 | OK | $540K | $635K | 8 | — |
| Dec 2025 | TX | $1.7M | $2.0M | — | — |
| Dec 2025 | TX | $200K | $235K | — | — |
| Dec 2025 | FL | $2.0M | $2.4M | 4 | — |
| Nov 2025 | NJ | $1.4M | $1.7M | 50 | Launch Trampoline Park |
| Nov 2025 | IL | $250K | $294K | 2 | — |
| Sep 2025 | GA | $631K | $742K | 1 | Urban Air Adventure Park |
| Sep 2025 | AZ | $374K | $440K | 2 | The Back Nine |
| Sep 2025 | DE | $1.8M | $2.1M | 8 | Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Par |
Source: SBA 7(a) FOIA dataset, filtered to acquisitions (loans where business age is "Change of Ownership"). Implied deal size assumes an 85% loan-to-purchase ratio, a common SBA change-of-ownership structure. Charge-off rate shown only when 10+ loans have resolved (paid in full or charged off). Interest rates reflect last 24 months only. Actual deal values vary with equity injections, seller financing, and working capital terms.
Pros
- +Strong group booking revenue — one corporate event can fill a Tuesday night
- +Alcohol upsells add 20–30% on top of lane fees
- +Social media-friendly — customers market it for you
- +Low recurring inventory costs once axes and targets are purchased
Cons
- -Fixed overhead is punishing — $191K+/year before you throw a single axe
- -Heavily weekend/evening dependent — low weekday utilization is common
- -Liability insurance and safety compliance add complexity
- -The novelty factor means you must actively drive repeat visits with leagues and events
Best For
Hospitality-minded operators with event sales skills in mid-size cities with limited entertainment options
Operating Costs
Major costs: rent ($8K–$20K/month for 5,000–10,000 sq ft), 3–6 staff per shift, axes and target replacement (about 34% of revenue), liability insurance ($15K–$30K/year), and booking software. Alcohol license adds $2K–$20K depending on state.
SBA Financing Estimator
Adjust the deal — see if it cash flows after debt service
Estimates only. Excludes owner compensation, capex, working capital draws, and taxes. Margin assumes average occupancy and volume. Actual SBA terms vary by lender and borrower profile.
Where to Buy
Search entertainment and recreation businesses for sale including axe throwing venues
Industry body with venue directory and franchise/partnership resources
Acquisition Score
Scores margin (30), entry multiple (25), SBA market depth (20), category risk (15), and deal momentum (10). Higher = better acquisition candidate.
Quick Facts
- Category
- physical
- Difficulty
- 3/5
- Buy price
- $702K–$1.6M
Buyer's Toolkit
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