Craft Axe Throwing brings together craft beer and competitive fun to create an unforgettable entertainment experience. Founded by a team of thrill-seeking friends with a passion for craft beverages and group experiences, the brand quickly became a leader in the fast-growing “eatertainment” space, offering guests a mix of axe throwing, drinks, and good times in a safe, social environment.

1. What Is the Brand Overview for Craft Axe Throwing?

About the Brand

Craft Axe Throwing was founded in 2017 by Jake Jensen and his team, who had previously operated escape room concepts in the Southeast. Recognizing the opportunity to expand into new entertainment trends, Jensen and his partners developed Craft Axe Throwing as a place for people to connect, compete and celebrate while enjoying quality craft beverages.

Mission: To bring people together through fun, friendly competition, and a shared love of craft beverages.

Vision: To be the leading community entertainment venue where people celebrate life’s moments — one bullseye at a time.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

  • Combines two high-demand categories: craft beverages and interactive entertainment.
  • Offers a safe, coached experience with trained “axeperts” guiding guests.
  • Perfect for group events, team-building and celebrations.
  • Immersive, Instagram-worthy atmosphere.
  • Expanding selection of entertainment options, including multi-blade throwing and mobile axe trailers.

2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?

Why Franchise With Craft Axe Throwing?

  • Proven, entertainment-driven business model with multiple revenue streams.
  • Comprehensive training for both new and experienced entrepreneurs.
  • Lean staffing model (typically 3-5 employees per location).
  • Flexible ownership options — single-unit, multi-unit, investor or operator models.
  • Marketing and operational support from an experienced corporate team.
  • Semi-absentee ownership available.

Available Territories

Craft Axe Throwing is expanding nationwide, focusing on urban and suburban markets with active nightlife and event demand.

Investment Overview

Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Craft Axe Throwing franchise ranges from $220,583 to $554,877.

Initial Franchise Fee: The franchise fee for a single Craft Axe Throwing location is $42,500, which is due upon signing the franchise agreement.

Ongoing Fees: Craft Axe Throwing franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:

Type of FeeAmount
Royalty6% of gross revenue/month
Marketing2% of gross revenue/month

ROI Potential: Craft Axe Throwing reports an average gross revenue of $379,607. 

3. What Franchisee Support Does Craft Axe Throwing Provide?

Pre-Opening Support

Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, design and layout, and permitting to ensure each venue captures the brand’s signature industrial-chic aesthetic.

Training Programs

Comprehensive training covers operations, staffing, safety, customer service and marketing. Franchisees are trained both at headquarters and onsite before opening.

Operational Support

Ongoing support includes marketing materials, vendor relationships, business reviews and access to a network of experienced operators who share best practices.

Technology and Tools

Craft Axe Throwing offers a custom POS system, integrated booking platform and QR-code-based lane games, helping operators streamline customer flow and boost engagement.

4. What Are the Franchise Requirements for Craft Axe Throwing?

Eligibility Criteria

  • Liquid Assets: $75,000

Experience in hospitality, event management, or small business ownership is helpful but not required. The brand’s structured model and support make it approachable for newcomers.

Operational Commitments

Each location typically operates efficiently with three to five employees, and franchisees can choose to be hands-on or semi-absentee owners. With the right team, the concept can run with minimal daily oversight.

Funding Assistance

Craft Axe Throwing may assist qualified candidates through third-party financing partners for startup costs, equipment, or working capital.

5. What Is the Market Potential for Immersive Entertainment?

The Immersive entertainment market is estimated to reach $144.17 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to $412.69 billion by 2030, representing a CAGR of 23.41 percent during that period. This surge reflects a strong consumer appetite for experiences that blend entertainment, technology and social connection — exactly where Craft Axe Throwing thrives. Guests today aren’t just looking for passive entertainment; they want shared, hands-on experiences that are both social and memorable, creating enormous opportunity for operators in this category.

Competitor Analysis

Within the growing immersive entertainment sector, Craft Axe Throwing stands out by combining the thrill of competitive activity with the laid-back atmosphere of a craft beer venue. While competitors such as BATL Axe Throwing, Bad Axe Throwing and Stumpy’s Hatchet House focus primarily on axe throwing, Craft Axe Throwing differentiates itself through its curated craft beer selection, smaller team requirements and strong local community connection. Its model delivers both excitement and hospitality, positioning it as a leader in the experiential entertainment market and a preferred venue for celebrations, team-building and social gatherings.

6. What Is the Application Process for Craft Axe Throwing Franchisees?

  1. Goals: The first step focuses on understanding you — your background, goals, investment range and timeline. This initial conversation is also a great opportunity to ask any questions about the Craft Axe Throwing model, culture or operations.
  2. Craft Axe Throwing Review: In this presentation, the team dives deeper into the brand’s vision, objectives and value proposition, giving candidates a comprehensive understanding of the culture, business model and keys to success. It’s also a chance for both parties to determine whether there’s a strong mutual fit.
  3. Financing and Location Analysis: Candidates are connected with a small business lending expert who helps them explore funding options and understand the financing process. During this stage, Craft Axe Throwing also assists in evaluating potential territories and discusses site selection and real estate opportunities.
  4. Review of Franchise Disclosure Document: Next, candidates review the FDD, which outlines company background, total investment, financial performance and mutual obligations. The Craft Axe Throwing team ensures each section is clearly explained and understood.
  5. Attend Discovery Day: Qualified candidates are invited to attend Discovery Day, where they meet the leadership team, tour multiple venues, and experience the brand culture firsthand. A fully refundable deposit can hold a territory at this stage, though no final decisions are made yet.
  6. Franchisee Decision: Once all questions are answered and both sides feel confident, approved candidates receive an award letter confirming their selection. The development team then outlines the next steps in the onboarding process.
  7. Sign Franchise Agreement: After signing the Franchise Agreement and paying the initial fees, new franchisees officially join the Craft Axe Throwing family. The onboarding team immediately begins working with new owners on site selection, buildout, and training — the countdown to grand opening begins.

Visit the Craft Axe Throwing franchise website to request more information and start the process.

Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves. 

Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.

Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction. 

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

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Victoria Campisi

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Victoria Campisi

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