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Maureen Wallenfang
Appleton Post-Crescent
Published 4:26 PM EDT May 8, 2020
Throwing axes and drinking beer are the two main activities in a new proposed business venture called Appleton Axe.
If it moves forward, locals will have a new place to blow off a little steam while having a good time.
Indoor axe throwing is a popular activity around the country for birthday, bachelor, bachelorette and divorce parties. It’s also big in corporate team building events and leagues.
Throwers rent a lane for an hour following a safety lesson. They throw axes. There’s a two drink maximum.
Appleton Axe’s proposed space is a portion of the former Bar Stools Direct at 1400 W. College Ave.
Appleton’s Common Council approved its conditional use permit Wednesday. The Common Council gave conditional approval for its liquor license in March.
Appleton Axe could be delayed or even derailed, however, depending on coronavirus-related business reopening timelines and any regulations that may be imposed based on social distancing. There’s no opening date set.
“We don’t know what will happen,” said co-owner Pat Van Abel. “I think we’re going to do it, but we’re still evaluating it. We’re planning the footprint and we need to know if we need to leave more space between the lanes.
“Phase One of Gov. Evers’ Badger Bounce Back (business reopening) plan will give us some scale of time,” he said. “Once things appear that they’re going back to normal, we’ll be full-steam ahead.”
Van Abel is a partner in the venture with Joe Van Abel and Tim Bruecker. The three also own Green Bay Escape and Axe in Ashwaubenon, which is also called Breakout Green Bay. They’re also three of Badger Sports Park’s five partners.
The partners tried out axe throwing at similar businesses in Lacrosse and Milwaukee before they opened in Ashwaubenon in October.
“It’s a fun vibe,” said Van Abel. “We’d like to recreate that on College Avenue in Appleton.”
Contact reporter Maureen Wallenfang at 920-993-7116 or mwallenfang@postcrescent.com. Follow her on Twitter at @wallenfang.
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