2019
4
$75,000
$35,000
$150,000
No
Blue Ox Axe Throwing offers a distinctive and exhilarating entertainment experience that combines the thrill of axe throwing with a welcoming and social atmosphere. As one of the fastest-growing concepts in the leisure and recreation industry, Blue Ox provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to invest in a franchise that delivers both fun and profitability.
Innovative Entertainment Concept: Blue Ox Axe Throwing stands out in the entertainment industry by offering a unique and engaging activity that appeals to a wide demographic, including groups, corporate events, and individuals seeking a fun and active experience.
Proven Business Model: The franchise has demonstrated success with its operational model, which is designed for efficiency and scalability, making it an attractive option for investors looking for a manageable yet profitable business.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they are well-equipped to operate their locations effectively and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Established Year:
Blue Ox Axe Throwing was founded in 2019 in Wallingford, Connecticut.
Founders:
The company was co-founded by Gerald Ferraro and Graham Kelly, who envisioned creating a unique entertainment experience combining social fun, competition, and safety.
Company History & Brand Journey:
The first location in Wallingford quickly gained popularity, attracting groups, corporate events, and casual visitors looking for a novel entertainment activity.
Blue Ox capitalized on the rising trend of axe throwing as a social recreation activity, combining modern safety protocols with a fun, engaging atmosphere.
Over the next few years, the brand expanded into Oregon, opening locations in Oregon City and Hillsboro, marking its footprint on the West Coast.
The company’s growth strategy emphasizes quality over quantity, ensuring each location maintains consistent operational standards and exceptional customer experiences.
Franchise Development:
Blue Ox began exploring franchising in 2019, developing a scalable and replicable business model for potential franchisees.
While the current locations remain corporate-owned, the franchise program is approved and actively seeking qualified franchisees.
The brand provides detailed training, operational support, and marketing assistance to ensure franchisees can replicate the success of corporate locations.
Ownership:
Blue Ox is privately held, with ownership retained by the founders.
Market Presence in the USA:
Primarily located in Connecticut and Oregon, Blue Ox targets urban and suburban areas with strong group activity participation.
The company positions itself in the leisure and recreation industry, focusing on group entertainment, corporate team-building events, and social experiences.
Industry Category:
Leisure & Recreation / Entertainment / Axe Throwing Centers
Blue Ox has positioned itself as a premium social entertainment franchise, appealing to a broad demographic from young adults to corporate clients.
Other Information:
Locations typically range from 3,500 to 7,500 sq. ft., adaptable to various building types.
The company emphasizes safety, fun, and community engagement, hosting leagues, tournaments, and events to drive repeat visits.
With a strong brand identity, Blue Ox leverages marketing campaigns, social media, and local partnerships to boost visibility and attract diverse clientele.
Pre-Launch Training: Comprehensive training covering all aspects of the business, including operations, safety protocols, and customer service.
Operational Support: Assistance with site selection, layout design, and setup to ensure consistency across locations.
Marketing Support: Access to marketing materials, promotional strategies, and digital marketing tools to attract and retain customers.
Ongoing Support: Regular site visits, performance evaluations, and continuous training to keep franchisees updated with best practices and industry trends.
Investor/Entrepreneur Type:
The ideal franchisee is an individual or team who is passionate about entertainment, recreation, and social engagement. They should enjoy creating memorable experiences for customers and thrive in a community-focused environment.
Business Background:
Experience in hospitality, retail, event management, or customer service is highly advantageous.
Prior experience in managing staff, operations, or a small business can help streamline day-to-day operations and ensure high service quality.
Passion & Vision:
A genuine enthusiasm for providing unique and engaging experiences to customers.
Strong interest in building a community hub where people can socialize, compete, and participate in events like leagues or corporate team-building activities.
Investment Capability:
Must have the financial capacity to meet the initial investment requirements, including franchise fees, build-out costs, working capital, and marketing expenses.
Willingness to invest time and effort to establish and grow the location, especially in the critical first 12–18 months.
Location Preference:
Ideally suited for franchisees targeting urban and suburban areas with a strong demand for group activities and entertainment venues.
Locations with proximity to corporate offices, universities, and active social communities are preferred to maximize foot traffic and group bookings.
Other Key Traits:
Leadership and Team Management: Capable of hiring, training, and retaining staff to deliver exceptional service.
Marketing & Community Engagement: Comfortable with local marketing initiatives, community partnerships, and event promotion.
Customer-Focused Mindset: Committed to maintaining the safety, fun, and quality experience that defines the Blue Ox brand.
Long-Term Vision: Looking for a sustainable business with the potential to expand to multiple locations in the future.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $94,442 – $150,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Franchise Units | Currently 0 franchised units; 4 corporate-owned units |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Varies based on location size (3,500–7,500 sq. ft.), approx. $50,000–$80,000 |
| Marketing Budget | Included in franchise support; local marketing recommended: $3,000–$5,000/year |
| Working Capital | Recommended: $10,000–$20,000 to cover first 3–6 months of operations |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross revenue |
| Expected ROI | Potential for significant returns; many corporate units profitable within first year |
| Break-Even Time | 12–18 months depending on location and market conditions |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Walk-in customers, group bookings, corporate events, leagues, tournaments, special promotions |
