Monroeville, Cranberry sites of axe-throwing outfit

Soon, Pittsburgh-area residents will have a chance to sharpen their axe-throwing skills close to home as one outfit looks to expand.

Lumberjaxes, with locations already in Millvale and Mt. Lebanon, will open sites in Monroeville and Cranberry on Oct. 1, said owner Corey Deasy.

He said business is booming as more experience the thrill of sinking an axe into a wooden target with friends. And if you haven’t yet experienced it, Deasy offers this description:

“It’s like bowling – with an edge,” he said.

Deasy first opened the company’s Millvale site in September 2017, with others in the Phoenix, Ariz. area, and Mt. Lebanon shortly following. As one with experience in the entertainment industry – he opened Pittsburgh’s first escape room – he had a hunch axe throwing could be successful in Pittsburgh after visiting a similar site in Philadelphia and taking part in an axe-throwing tournament.

“My wife at eight-and-a-half months pregnant nearly won the tournament,” he said. “And I thought, ‘Wow, this really has mass appeal.’ Anyone can take part in this. It’s safe – and it’s just a blast.”

The Monroeville site, along with the location in Cranberry, will have up to 35 people on staff, which includes some that will be designated axe-throwing instructors. Deasy said they will give instruction before axes are thrown and monitor alcohol consumption.

Monroeville’s site, a 10,000 square-foot facility next to Pool City in the Murrysville Shoppes Plaza, will be BYOB. The Cranberry site, near GNC and Aldi along U.S. 19, will include a brew pub, with plans to add a full-service bar at both spots.

Deasy said the Monroeville spot will be the company’s, and possibly the region’s, largest axe-throwing facility with 22 targets.

“And there’s plenty of space to add on if there’s a demand,” he said.

He said he chose Monroeville and Cranberry because there aren’t many entertainment options in those areas.

“I think it’ll be a great fit,” Deasy said.

For those who want more opportunities to throw axes, the National Axe Throwing Federation affiliated company offers eight-week leagues. For $150, people can join a league for three-hour weekly sessions.

The added locations, however, also mean the company could host an NATF national championship competition.

“We already have a handful of competitors that might qualify for the national competition,” he said, adding the competition typically takes place in Toronto.

Hours will be 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day with walk-in hours from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Deasy said to call any day to ask if there is room for walk-ins.

Walk-ins are $20 per hour, per person. Group rates start at $210 for two hours.