Never let it be said the residents of the Upper Ohio Valley have nothing to do.
Doug and Stacey Longenette saw to that starting last December, when Route 40 LumberJaxe opened just east of Morristown on Route 40.
For the uninitiated, think of a bowling meets darts. But instead of pins you’re knocking down, you have a wooden target at the end of the line. Instead of throwing darts, you’re chucking—safely mind you, this is a family-friendly facility—sharpened axes overhand toward that target, hoping for a bullseye.
It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind facility in the region, and even Stacey admitted she was more than skeptical when Doug first pitched it not her.
“When he told me he wanted to build this, he was hunting with his buddies down in West Virginia, and he texted me from the tree stand and told me about it,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard of.’
“But then I googled it and found it was a thing. That was on a Wednesday. I started doing more research, and when he came home on Friday, we went to Lowe’s and got supplies and started building the cages for the lanes.”
Longenette said the facility opened with a few lanes and a few pieces of furniture and that she and Doug have been adding to the atmosphere ever since.
One thing is for certain; the reception was immediate and overwhelming.
“When we put this in, we realized the activity-based businesses really are the niche we needed,” Stacey said. “We hit the ground running. We only told a few friends and had a soft opening, and the first night we had over 100 people in here.
“We didn’t charge that night, and they came in by the droves, and that’s when we knew we were on to something.”
How it Works
The cost is $20 for the first hour of lane rental, and $10 for each additional hour. Doug Longette recommends a two-hour session, especially for larger groups. But participants throwing past that 2-hour mark will certainly feel it in the morning.
He also recommends making reservations. It’s practically a necessity.
“Saturdays we are swamped,” Doug said. “We highly recommend reservations because that way, you are guaranteed a lane.
“We have a wait list you can sign up for when you come in, but we recommend you call in for reservations, sometimes up to a week in advance.”
There is a LumberJaxe employee at each lane to explain the basic techniques and scoring rules for how to play, as well as monitor play in case the participants need assistance.
They are also there in case things get out of hand, which, while a rarity, Doug Longenette noted he’s not above tossing someone who gets out of line.
Route 40 LumberJaxe doesn’t sell beer itself, but patrons are allowed to BYOB. However, the no drinking under 21 law is strictly enforced. And admittance will not be provided to anyone who appears overly intoxicated.
“We don’t tolerate anything,” Doug said. “We have an employee at every lane to stay with the group. Last weekend, I threw someone out as they came in intoxicated, and we’re not putting up with that. It’s BYOB, but you have to be 21 to drink beer and we strictly enforce that.
“This is a family atmosphere. We want people to have fun. I owned a bar years ago. It’s not fun. I don’t want that atmosphere. I want the fun stuff. I get to watch people giggle and laugh and have a good time.”
Theme Nights and Expansion
Axe League began last Monday and will run concurrently for four weeks every Monday. Back in August, Lumerjaxe started debuting theme nights—live music on Saturdays, Karaoke on Fridays, and Game Night on Thursday.
It’s helped bring in different clientele and introduce them not only to the facility, but to axe throwing. Like most customers, once they’ve come that first time, they’re hooked and return.
“We’re trying different things and seeing what works,” Stacey said. “If it doesn’t work, we don’t continue it and if it does, we expand on it.”
Lane reservations aren’t necessary to enter on these nights as there is a $5 cover charge to join in the karaoke or trivia, or listen to the live band or artist playing that night.
Axe-throwing isn’t all that’s available on the property either.
There are video games, an old-school shuffleboard table, and Doug recently purchased two virtual reality games, including a flight simulator. They are brand new and assembled; he’s just waiting for the programming portion to be taken care of; then they will be added to the entertainment mix.
In addition, LumberJaxe has two escape rooms outside, one on either side of the facility, and they have been a big hit. There are plans to expand the main facility itself in order to allow for more lanes.
Available for Private Parties
As Doug Longenette mentioned, this is a family atmosphere. Birthday parties, for both adults and youths, have been held inside during the off hours.
It’s gotten to the point where private parties have become a major part of LumberJaxe’s business.
“We do have a lot of private parties, and it keeps us busy during the off time,” Doug said. “I think we have two (Saturday) and another 2-3 on Sunday. Each party has employees here to assist.”
Longenette said he’s taught a child as young as 3 years old to throw, and a sweet 89-year-old woman had her surprise birthday party at LumberJaxe.
“She’s been in here three or four times,” he admitted. “She’s a sweetheart. Whenever she’s up visiting her kids in Dallas Pike, they stop over.”
For more information, visit Route 40 LumberJaxe online or at its Facebook page.
