Blue Ridge Axe Throwing and its Seasonal Customers
by Brooke Landers
In the heart of downtown Blacksburg, Virginia, Blue Ridge Axe Throwing runs a business of stress relief and mindless entertainment. The establishment encourages its patrons to have fun and let go with its target axe throwing and array of arcade games. Unsurprisingly, this business plan has proven to be successful in a college town. Yet, Blue Ridge Axe Throwing is far from reliant on the college-town demographics, as they attract axe throwers of all ages no matter the time of year.
It also advertises itself as a great place for larger groups, like corporate events, greek life, or other organizations. Virginia Tech Union (VTU), a large student organization within Virginia Tech, had one of its yearly social events at Blue Ridge Axe Throwing. VTU hosted a group of about 11 students, who all found a way to enjoy Blue Ridge Axe Throwing.
“We had multiple things we could throw; I couldn’t throw the axe, but there were others things that I could throw. They were accommodating so you could always be doing something,” said the Vice President of VTU, Nawras Zalzala.
Zalzala also said the group enjoyed the arcade games, despite the idea that the games are more for the younger customers to enjoy.
“It was really fun, when we weren’t throwing axes, we were playing arcade games. They used the space very well,” said Zalzala.
She also noted that there weren’t just college students sharing the space with them; a family had a small party with a diverse age range of people enjoying the business.
While its location is ideal for college students, Blue Ridge Axe Throwing is not limited to the college demographic. During the summer, this allows them to continue to bring in steady business. Their diverse customer demographic lets them operate without the bounds of the academic year hanging over their shoulders.
Blacksburg has plenty of local residents that reside in the area all year around that fit the demographic of a Blue Ridge Axe Throwing customer. Virginia Tech faculty and staff like to spend some time axe throwing during the slower parts of the academic year and over the summer.
“I usually go with students or my coworkers, but sometimes I just like to go throw by myself,” said Casey Barker, an employee of Virginia Tech’s Student Engagement and Campus Life.
Barker enjoys axe throwing as a unique way to relieve stress and finds herself at Blue Ridge Axe Throwing almost once a week. She also explains that the demographic of customers shifts depending on the day and time, stretching from college students to axe throwing hobbyists.
“On Tuesdays you’ll see a lot of students there for college night just messing around, but on Wednesdays starting at 7 p.m. it’s closed for Axe League, so it’s typically more older men and women who throw for competition,” said Barker of the kind of people she’ll see at the business.
Blue Ridge Axe Throwing proves to be a dynamic local business for all who seek to relieve some stress or just be entertained by some arcade games. Its customers leave fulfilled and return eager to get back to throwing.
“I keep going back because I love being able to support a local business that definitely cares about its community and I can have fun while doing it,” said Barker.
Summer and the mass exodus of students that comes with it will not be affecting Blue Ridge Axe Throwing. The business will continue to serve its loyal community and customer base, no matter the time of year it is.
