MOUNT VERNON — Josh Kirby had never thrown an axe. He wasn’t even sure how much fun it would be — then he threw one.
“It’s honestly a blast,” Kirby said.
The seed for Summit Axe Throwing was born.
The idea of throwing axes came to Kirby when speaking to a friend about a potential business opportunity. His family wanted to make an impact in Mount Vernon but wasn’t sure how to go about it.
“My brain never stops thinking,” he said. “What’s a question we can solve in Mount Vernon? We don’t have a lot of entertainment.”
Kirby, along with wife Bree and brother Daniel, knew they wanted to create an entertainment venue amid a downtown presence. The idea arrived over the winter of 2021-2022.
They traveled across Ohio, speaking to other axe throwing business owners to see what they could learn.
The Kirby family visited Dueling Axes in Columbus, where they trained their employees.
“It was really helpful for all of us involved,” Daniel Kirby said. “Seeing how the staff does its training and having tips and tricks on throwing.
“Being able to dial in and learn from them (Dueling Axes) because that’s their job is super, super valuable.”
However, the question of a venue Mount Vernon remained.
Then one day during a run, Josh Kirby found 14 E. Gambier St. was up for rent. He called the landlord and the deal was done.
“It all kinda happened pretty fast,” Josh Kirby said.
Axe throwing has became increasingly popular recently with numerous spots popping up throughout the country.
The Kirby clan received an enthusiastic response, too.
“Everyone we’ve talked to they’re really excited to have something to do in town,” Bree Kirby said. “Everyone seems to enjoy themselves.”
Summit Axe Throwing will be open Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 5 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m.
There are eight lanes in total with six lanes having one target. Two lanes allow patrons to throw at the same time.
Summit can host private parties, team events, birthday parties, etc. Walk-ins are available though it’s recommended that people register a space on the website.
People can throw axes for 60 to 90 minutes and up to two hours, Kirby said.
The business is also open for DORA events, meaning people can bring beer and wine into the Summit with a DORA cup.
