Axe to Grind

Axe-throwing trend hits hard with new spot opening in East Dallas

It's just people throwing around axes.

Photo courtesy of Bad Axe

If it takes three to make a trend (and it does), then Dallas-Fort Worth is now officially on board with the axe-throwing trend. Bad Axe Throwing, a new concept to Texas, will open in East Dallas at 5438 E. Grand Ave., where it will host a grand opening the weekend of June 8-10.

Bad Axe Throwing was founded in Ontario, Canada in 2014, and has locations in cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, and Kansas City; Dallas will be the 18th location.

Axe-throwing as a diversion originated in Canada, and is a non-sporty sport like darts, paintball, or bowling that does not require you to be fit to participate. This, along with its ice-breaking novelty, makes it perfect for first dates, group outings, and team-building corporate events.

The number of facilities in the United States keeps growing; at last count, there were more than 40.

Bad Axe founder Mario Zelaya says that it's part of a desire for new, interactive forms of entertainment.

"Axe throwing is really a traditional hobby that we’ve turned into a unique experience," he says in a release. "It's perfect to celebrate any occasion or simply get a group of friends together because anyone of any skill can participate and have a lot of fun."

He likens axe throwing to throwing darts at a bar, but instead of tiny darts you can hold in one hand, it's axes with a blade large enough to hack off a hand, if not properly deployed.

Bad Axe has experts on hand to prevent that kind of thing. The company represents the third axe-throwing concept in the DFW. There are currently two: Flying Axe Factory in Fort Worth, and the confusingly-named Dallas Axe Throwing, which is actually located in Richardson (and whose website is way too janky to link to).

But Bad Axe gets extra points as the first in Dallas proper, and it's going in an interesting location: 5438 E. Grand Ave., right near I-30. This is primarily a Mexican neighborhood that's just an axe's throw from Lakewood. For Lakewooders who need to get their ya-yas out, it's just a short drive away.

The company always hosts free open houses to demystify the axe throwing experience and that'll happen at the grand opening June 8-10.

"Our open houses are legendary and we’re happy to have everyone and anyone try their hand at learning at new skill," Zelaya says.

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On Premise

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Editor's note: Two big closures rocked the Dallas restaurant and bar scene this week. There was also an intriguing home for sale on Dallas' ritziest road, a new barbecue joint with an unusual focus, and more. Here's a look back at the top stories of the week. Looking for the best things to do this weekend? Those are here.

1. Dallas bar closes after surviving a decade in Deep Ellum. A Dallas bar that opened 10 years ago in Deep Ellum has closed its doors: On Premise, which rode a decade-long wave in the often-turbulent neighborhood, closed on October 31.

2. Authentic upscale Mexican restaurant at Turtle Creek Dallas closes. In major bummer Dallas restaurant news, authentic Mexican restaurant Jalisco Norte has closed: The upscale restaurant and bar at Turtle Creek Village clocked out after seven years.

3. Dallas and Austin are facing the same kind of housing issues. The state’s housing crisis is effectively a new problem for state and local leaders — mainly because, for the longest time, Texas used to be cheap. "YIMBY" activists in Dallas have pushed local leaders, with mixed results, to embrace the idea that the country’s ninth-largest city should make it easier to build homes besides standalone single-family homes on large lots and big apartment buildings.

4. 50s Dallas home for sale on swanky Strait Lane still has pink bathroom. A house on Dallas' Strait Lane that is possibly home to the last '50s-era pink bathroom on the tony thoroughfare is up for sale. The bathroom's days are probably numbered — but maybe in this one case, it's not a bad thing.

5. Barbecue spot Kafi BBQ coming to Irving will be smoking halal Wagyu. A barbecue restaurant with an unusual focus is coming to Irving: Kafi BBQ, which specializes in halal Wagyu beef, will open at 8140 N. MacArthur Blvd. #100, Valley Ranch, in the former Rafikiz Bar and Grill.