OLD BRIDGE — A new kind of social entertainment is coming to the area with the opening of Bury the Hatchet– axe throwing.
“It’s very unique,” said Keith Hahn, general manager of Bury The Hatchet. “It’s like a game of darts, but a newer version with axes. It’s akin to the boardwalk and activities like bowling and poker in a social setting.”
Competitive axe throwing is a well-known Canadian pasttime that is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, according to the Bury the Hatchet website.
Hahn said there are professional axe throwing tournaments through the World Axe Throwing Leagues people can participate in.
At Bury the Hatchet, funseekers will get to experience the thrill of launching an axe, which is approximately 1.5 pounds, at a wooden target in a safe and fun environment.
“Anyone can do it,” Hahn said regardless of size and age. “An axe master will be in the lane at all times, instruct how to throw the axe and make sure everything is safe, and make sure people are not being silly.”
In a two-hour window, people can play in an axe throwing tournament among the party they are with.
Bury the Hatchet has 11 alleys, which holds groups of two to 12 people. Each team is assigned an axe master, who will teach proper form for throwing the axe. Standing side by side, one person will throw their axe and the next person will attempt to beat the current score.
Similar to darts or bowling, each team is given a dedicated alley to throw axes, while those waiting can wait at the picnic table eat and drink. There is also a chance to take home the axe bull’s eye after the game is finished.
The axe master will provide tips along the way to hit the bullseye and the kill shots. Scores will be kept on a television screen.
Bury the Hatchet is located at 419 Route 34 in Old Bridge, in the former Marty’s Shoes store. It is the business’s first central New Jersey location, and is co-owned by Howard Klotzkin and Tal Kalif.
“Axe throwing is not only a structured game, it’s a great team building experience,” Klotzkin said. “We wanted to create a space where people could come and unwind while also building memories. Regardless of your physical abilities anyone can throw a hatchet. Hatchet throwing is about form, technique and muscle memory, not strength. In that regard, it’s a lot like golf.”
The first location was opened in Cherry Hill two years ago, and soon locations in Philadelphia and Bloomfield followed.
Parties of four or more can book for a lane. The maximum occupancy per each double lane is 10. For groups of 11 or more, the group will need to purchase two double lanes. Participants must be 15 years old.
Every participant must sign a waiver and show identification.
Hahn said people can bring food and food can be delivered. The establishment is BYOB.
“We only allow wine or beer,” he said.
The Old Bridge location will hold a soft opening on June 21 but will officially open on June 22.
Bury the Hatchet is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
For more information, visit burythehatchet.com, call 732-962-6284 or email [email protected].