Established
2019
Franchise Units
4
Minimum Investment
$75,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$150,000
Home Based
No
Description
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.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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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.
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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.
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Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they are well-equipped to operate their locations effectively and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Background
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:
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The first location in Wallingford quickly gained popularity, attracting groups, corporate events, and casual visitors looking for a novel entertainment activity.
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Blue Ox capitalized on the rising trend of axe throwing as a social recreation activity, combining modern safety protocols with a fun, engaging atmosphere.
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Over the next few years, the brand expanded into Oregon, opening locations in Oregon City and Hillsboro, marking its footprint on the West Coast.
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The company’s growth strategy emphasizes quality over quantity, ensuring each location maintains consistent operational standards and exceptional customer experiences.
Franchise Development:
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Blue Ox began exploring franchising in 2019, developing a scalable and replicable business model for potential franchisees.
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While the current locations remain corporate-owned, the franchise program is approved and actively seeking qualified franchisees.
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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:
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Primarily located in Connecticut and Oregon, Blue Ox targets urban and suburban areas with strong group activity participation.
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The company positions itself in the leisure and recreation industry, focusing on group entertainment, corporate team-building events, and social experiences.
Industry Category:
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Leisure & Recreation / Entertainment / Axe Throwing Centers
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Blue Ox has positioned itself as a premium social entertainment franchise, appealing to a broad demographic from young adults to corporate clients.
Other Information:
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Locations typically range from 3,500 to 7,500 sq. ft., adaptable to various building types.
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The company emphasizes safety, fun, and community engagement, hosting leagues, tournaments, and events to drive repeat visits.
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With a strong brand identity, Blue Ox leverages marketing campaigns, social media, and local partnerships to boost visibility and attract diverse clientele.
Support Training
Pre-Launch Training: Comprehensive training covering all aspects of the business, including operations, safety protocols, and customer service.
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Operational Support: Assistance with site selection, layout design, and setup to ensure consistency across locations.
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Marketing Support: Access to marketing materials, promotional strategies, and digital marketing tools to attract and retain customers.
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Ongoing Support: Regular site visits, performance evaluations, and continuous training to keep franchisees updated with best practices and industry trends.
Ideal Candidate
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:
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Experience in hospitality, retail, event management, or customer service is highly advantageous.
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Prior experience in managing staff, operations, or a small business can help streamline day-to-day operations and ensure high service quality.
Passion & Vision:
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A genuine enthusiasm for providing unique and engaging experiences to customers.
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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:
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Must have the financial capacity to meet the initial investment requirements, including franchise fees, build-out costs, working capital, and marketing expenses.
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Willingness to invest time and effort to establish and grow the location, especially in the critical first 12–18 months.
Location Preference:
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Ideally suited for franchisees targeting urban and suburban areas with a strong demand for group activities and entertainment venues.
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Locations with proximity to corporate offices, universities, and active social communities are preferred to maximize foot traffic and group bookings.
Other Key Traits:
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Leadership and Team Management: Capable of hiring, training, and retaining staff to deliver exceptional service.
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Marketing & Community Engagement: Comfortable with local marketing initiatives, community partnerships, and event promotion.
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Customer-Focused Mindset: Committed to maintaining the safety, fun, and quality experience that defines the Blue Ox brand.
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Long-Term Vision: Looking for a sustainable business with the potential to expand to multiple locations in the future.
Financial Detail
| 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 |