How to Start an Axe Throwing Business

Thinking about opening an axe throwing business? You’re not alone. With experiential entertainment booming and consumer demand for unique social activities on the rise, now is a great time to enter this exciting market. Whether you want to create a high-energy venue for friends, companies, or special events, a well-planned axe throwing venue can be both fun and profitable.

But launching a successful business takes more than just building lanes and buying axes. From securing funding and choosing a location to creating your axe throwing business plan, setting up your lanes, and hiring staff, there are many moving parts to consider. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to build a thriving axe throwing business that keeps guests coming back.

Why open an axe throwing venue?

Axe throwing has exploded in popularity since the first organized leagues appeared in Canada in 2006. Today, the International Axe Throwing Federation represents more than 150 locations across six countries and over 20,000 league members.

A booming industry with strong revenue potential

Guests are increasingly seeking experiences that combine fun, challenge, and social connection, and axe throwing delivers. It appeals to a wide demographic: young adults looking for a night out, companies hosting team-building events, and groups celebrating birthdays or other milestones.

From a business perspective, this demand means there is plenty of room for new operators to succeed. With the right setup, axe throwing venues can generate steady revenue from casual guests, leagues, parties, and food and beverage sales.

How much does an axe throwing business make?

There’s no single answer to how much an axe throwing business can earn. Revenue depends heavily on your location, lane count, pricing model, and whether you offer extras like food and beverages. Most venues charge between $25–$40 per person, per hour, with an average of two to four guests per lane.

From there, overall earnings are influenced by how many hours your lanes are booked each week and how effectively you add revenue streams like corporate events, leagues, and alcohol sales (which can increase revenue by 10–20%).

Margins also vary, but many operators report that axe throwing can be more cost-efficient to launch and run than other entertainment businesses because staffing and utility costs are relatively low.

Axe throwing business startup costs

Opening an axe throwing business requires an upfront investment, but costs are generally lower than other larger attraction venues. Many operators spend between $100,000 and $250,000 to launch.

Here are the core axe throwing business costs you’ll need to plan for:

• Location: Choosing the right location is one of your most important decisions. Look for a venue that’s easy to access, large enough for lanes, seating, and amenities, and has room for future growth. Costs will also vary depending on whether you lease or purchase the property, so weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully.
• Buildout or leasehold improvements: Once you have secured a space, you’ll need to invest in a buildout to make it safe and functional for axe throwing. This includes constructing dedicated lanes with fencing and barriers, adding guest seating and food and beverage areas, and ensuring the venue meets safety codes. As a guide, operators often spend around $7,500 per lane for a basic build.
• Axes and target materials: Each lane requires between two and four quality throwing axes, plus a set of backups to keep play moving if equipment breaks. Targets should meet competition standards, and depending on usage, may need to be replaced every few months to maintain safety and consistency.
• Spectator and seating areas: Comfortable seating areas are an important part of the guest experience, giving groups a place to relax between throws and encouraging longer visits. Costs will vary depending on how much space you allocate and the type of furniture you choose.
• Lighting, signage, and sound systems: Investing in good lighting, clear signage inside and outside your venue, and a quality sound system creates a lively, welcoming atmosphere. These features help attract guests, set the tone for the experience, and keep people engaged.
• Booking and POS software: The right software is essential for smooth operations. All-in-one axe throwing software will handle online bookings, digital waivers, ticketing, and payments seamlessly, reducing admin work and allowing staff to focus on guests.
• Staff training: Your team plays a key role in keeping guests safe and ensuring they have a great time. Budget for thorough training in axe handling, guest supervision, and first aid, so staff are confident in both daily operations and emergency situations.
• Insurance: Even with the best equipment and strict safety measures in place, accidents can still occur. That’s why securing comprehensive insurance coverage and ensuring legal compliance is crucial for axe throwing operators. 
• Permits and licenses: Requirements vary depending on your local regulations, but most venues will need business licenses, zoning approval, building inspections, and health and safety permits. Always check with local authorities before opening to avoid costly delays.
• Alcohol licensing (optional): Serving alcohol can be a valuable revenue stream and add to the social atmosphere of your venue. However, it requires obtaining the appropriate liquor license and training staff to manage service responsibly.
• Marketing and promotions: To build momentum, budget heavily for your launch campaign and plan for an ongoing spend of at least 5–10% of monthly revenue on marketing. Promotions, events, and consistent advertising will help keep your customer base growing.

How to create an axe throwing business plan

A solid business plan is essential for securing funding, defining your operational strategy, and setting your axe throwing business up for long-term success. It gives investors and lenders confidence in your vision while also serving as a roadmap for your day-to-day decisions.

Whether you plan to operate a single independent venue or eventually expand into multiple locations, understanding your financial, operational, and market requirements will help position your business for profitability.

Key sections of an axe throwing business plan

Here’s what to include in a comprehensive plan:

• Executive summary: Provide a clear snapshot of your proposed venue, including its name, location, target audience, and financial goals. Investors will often read this section first, so make it compelling and concise. Include your vision and mission statements to set the tone.
• Market research and industry analysis: Define who your core customers will be; for example, young adults seeking a night out, corporate groups booking team-building events, or friends celebrating birthdays. Research your local demographics, identify existing competitors, and highlight gaps in the market that your venue can fill.
• Revenue model and pricing strategy: Break down your income streams. For axe throwing, this usually includes hourly lane bookings, parties and corporate events, leagues, and retail sales. Many venues also see strong add-on revenue from food and beverage sales, particularly alcohol. Outline your pricing strategy for walk-ins, group bookings, and recurring programs like memberships or loyalty discounts.
• Startup and operating expenses: Detail the one-off costs for getting your venue off the ground (lane construction, lighting, signage, POS software, and furnishings), as well as recurring monthly expenses (rent, insurance, utilities, staff wages, equipment replacement, and marketing). Provide realistic revenue projections to show how you’ll cover these costs.
• Marketing strategy: Explain how you’ll attract and retain customers. This might include launch promotions, social media campaigns, partnerships with local businesses, referral programs, or league competitions to build community engagement.
• Operational plan: Describe how the venue will run day-to-day. Cover staff roles, training requirements, scheduling, equipment maintenance, guest safety protocols, and enhancements such as digital waivers or self-serve kiosks that improve efficiency.
• Financial projections and funding needs: Provide detailed forecasts of cash flow, expected profits, and your break-even point. If you’re seeking funding, specify how much capital you need, where it will go, and when investors can expect returns.
• Expansion opportunities: Consider how you might grow in the future, whether that’s adding more lanes, opening new locations, franchising, or diversifying your offerings with themed nights, live entertainment, or merchandise.

How to choose the right location

The location of your axe throwing venue will directly impact how many guests you attract and how profitable you can be. Here are the key factors to weigh when choosing a site:

• Urban or suburban: Urban locations usually come with higher rent but provide access to a larger customer base and more walk-in traffic. Suburban or rural sites may be more affordable but often require additional marketing to bring guests in.
• Space per lane: Aim for at least 2,000 square feet for your venue. For regulation axe throwing competitions, each lane should be at least 12 ft wide and 15 ft long, with space behind that for spectators. Your ceiling above the throwing lanes should also be a minimum of 12 ft high for safety.
• Competition: Research other axe throwing venues and entertainment options in the area to understand how competitive the market is and what gaps you can fill.
• Visibility and foot traffic: Venues located in entertainment districts or near restaurants and bars often benefit from more walk-ins and repeat traffic.
• Parking: Ensure you have enough parking to handle peak times and check any local requirements. Accessibility by public transport can also bring more customers.
• Room to grow: Choose a location with space for future expansion, whether that’s adding more lanes, a bar area, or event spaces.

What equipment do you need to open an axe throwing business?

Compared to other attractions, the equipment required for an axe throwing venue is fairly straightforward. Here are the essentials you’ll need to get started:

• Axes: Plan for 2–4 axes per lane, plus backups, to ensure smooth operations. Axes should meet standard size, weight, and dimension requirements for competitive or league play.
• Target boards: Build targets from three layers of wood, as the type of wood greatly affects durability. In high-use venues, boards may need to be replaced every 1–3 months.
• Scoreboards: Offer guests a way to track their games with either manual or digital scoreboards. Digital options can add to the excitement and improve the guest experience.
• Furniture and storage: Provide tables, chairs, and possibly lockers so groups can relax, socialize, and store belongings between games.
• Lighting and sound systems: Fun lighting and a reliable sound system help create an energetic, welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to stay longer and return often.
• Bar setup (optional): If you plan to serve alcohol, you’ll need a designated bar area with glassware, refrigeration, and proper storage.
• Booking and POS software: A modern POS system should handle payments, bookings, and digital waivers seamlessly. ROLLER’s all-in-one axe throwing software helps streamline these processes so you can focus on running a safe, enjoyable venue.

What permits, insurance, and certifications do you need?

Running an axe throwing venue comes with unique risks, so safety and compliance should be a top priority. Specific requirements vary by region, so always check with local regulatory bodies and consult legal or insurance professionals before opening.

• Liability waivers and guest consent: Every guest should sign a waiver before participating. Offering digital waivers allows guests to complete this step ahead of time, reducing wait times and keeping records organized.
• Local permits: Depending on your area, you may need a business license, zoning approval, health and safety inspections, or food service permits if you plan to sell food and drinks.
• Insurance: You’ll need comprehensive liability, property, and workers’ compensation insurance. Make sure you choose an insurer that covers the particular risks of an axe throwing business, as general business liability may not cover you fully.
• First-aid certification: At least one staff member per shift should be certified in first aid. This is often a legal requirement and is always a good practice to keep guests and employees safe.
• Staff safety training and certifications: Provide thorough training in safe axe handling, guest supervision, and emergency response. Ongoing refresher training helps ensure staff stay confident and compliant.

Staffing and training

Your team is the heart of your axe throwing venue, directly impacting safety, guest satisfaction, and overall business success. Hiring the right employees and providing thorough training ensures smooth operations and a positive experience for every guest.

Hiring the right team

Look for enthusiastic, customer-focused individuals who can create a fun, welcoming environment. Prior axe throwing or attractions experience isn’t always necessary; what matters most is a positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn.

Here are some steps to build a strong team:

• Write compelling job descriptions: Treat job postings like marketing materials. Highlight what makes your venue a great place to work, such as flexible scheduling, growth opportunities, or a supportive team culture.
• Prioritize customer service skills: Staff should be able to make first-time throwers feel comfortable, answer questions clearly, and manage group dynamics.
• Promote diversity and inclusion: A diverse team brings different perspectives and helps create a more welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
• Use trial tasks: For guest-facing roles, consider a short test during the hiring process, such as explaining a safety rule or greeting a mock guest. This gives you insight into their communication skills and customer focus.
• Start with a versatile team: In the early stages, hiring a small, flexible team allows you to manage labor costs while covering all essential roles.

Training for success

Once hired, staff should receive structured training before taking on responsibilities. Training should cover:

• Safety protocols: Staff must be able to demonstrate proper axe throwing techniques, explain safety rules, and monitor lanes effectively to prevent accidents.
• Customer service excellence: Employees should greet guests warmly, explain the experience clearly, and handle any issues or conflicts professionally.
• Emergency response: Train your team in first aid, injury management, and evacuation procedures so they can act quickly if needed.
• Hands-on practice: New hires should shadow experienced team members before running safety briefings or supervising lanes independently.

Ongoing staff development

Staff training doesn’t end after onboarding. Ongoing development keeps your team engaged and ensures high standards of safety and service.

• Regular refresher sessions: Use shift meetings to update staff on policies, events, or safety reminders.
• Encourage feedback: Employees who feel heard are more engaged. Invite staff to share ideas on improving operations and guest experiences.
• Recognize great performance: Simple gestures like thank-you notes, employee-of-the-month awards, or small incentives can boost morale and retention.

What software do you need to run your axe throwing business?

The right software will save you time, increase efficiency and improve guest satisfaction:

• Online bookings: Let your guests reserve lanes at any time online, as well as manage their memberships or book a party.
• Self-serve kiosks: Speed up the welcoming process with self-serve kiosks that let customers check in and order food and drinks as they arrive.
• Digital waivers: Let customers sign digital waivers before they arrive so they can focus on the fun.
• Marketing and feedback: Turn one-time visitors into regulars with regular communication and automated guest feedback tools.

ROLLER’s axe throwing software combines all these features into one easy-to-use platform, helping you manage operations and grow revenue.

What’s next?

Starting an axe throwing business is an exciting opportunity — and with the right planning, it can also be highly profitable. Begin by mapping out your costs, creating a strong business plan, and investing in the right staff and equipment. Choosing software that streamlines bookings, waivers, and payments will help you deliver a smooth guest experience and keep operations efficient.

Ready to take the next step? Book a demo with ROLLER and learn how we can help you launch, manage, and grow your axe throwing business.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as legal advice. Venues should coordinate with the appropriate bodies for specific information about regulations and guidelines.