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Couple plans to hit the spot with axe-throwing bar
McCOOK, Neb. — Although an ax-throwing bar in McCook won’t be ready to open until August, its owners have already been contacted for reservations.
Ben and Nicole Springer of Indianola, Neb., are currently in the process of gutting and renovating the location of a former hair salon on Norris Avenue for The Axe House. Once completed, it will have a full bar, kitchen, seating areas and two bathrooms, much like other bars. But unlike other bars, it will feature a special area in the back for slinging axes.
The Springers said they wanted people in the area to have the same amenities that larger towns offer. Axe throwing bars have become extremely popular as a recreational and competitive sport, but the closest one in Southwest Nebraska is two hours away, Nicole said.
Usually a group activity — think throwing darts, only larger — ax-throwing bars generally have protocols in place before anyone picks up an ax. At The Axe House, participants will be briefed on safety rules, be required to sign a waiver and watch a demonstration on how to throw. Ben said the axes used are lighter and specially designed for one revolution before hitting the bullseye on the wooden target.
Intoxication levels will be monitored for those wanting to participate. “If you’re too drunk to drink, you’re too drunk to throw,” Ben told the McCook City Council at his request for a liquor license, that the council granted.
He will be attending training sessions in Texas for throwing techniques and Nicole’s brother will also be part of the staff. He hasn’t decided yet on what to charge — fees range in other cities from $20 to $50 per person — but it will be reasonable for the area, he said.
It just won’t be axes the bar will feature. The Springers want to include other things as well, like trivia night and karaoke. If there’s enough interest, there will also be league nights for ax throwing.
Owning a small business has always been a dream, Nicole said, but the timing was never right. Ben had a difficult time recuperating from COVID-19 and during his stay in the hospital, they wondered if he would be able to handle the physical demands of farming when he came home. That’s when they started thinking of a “Plan B,” as Nicole called it, and began to research different types of businesses.
“We threw ideas out and this one stuck,” she said. During this time, the location on Norris Avenue became available and they decided to take the plunge. “Everything just fell into place,” she said.
Ben recovered and is back at farming. Both admit it will be a learning curve operating the business, but they’ve had lots of encouragement from their friends and the location is perfect, they said.
“I’m nervous but excited,” Ben said. “I hope the community enjoys it.”
It sounds like they will: Ben said he’s already been contacted by several people and by a company that’s interested in booking a spot for a team-building activity.