Hatchet Hangout Celebrates Grand Opening With Veterans Fundraiser

CLEARWATER, FL — One of the latest trends in group activities is now available in Clearwater with Saturday's grand opening of Hatchet Hangout - Axe Throwing Clearwater.

Axe throwing, where guests can throw axes at fixed wall targets, has become a popular pastime around the country. It's even been featured on ESPN, said owner Andrew Nawoichik.

Nawoichik calls axe throwing "the bowling of the 2000s" because of its ability to bring people together in a fun, family atmosphere.

He believes the sport can also be therapeutic for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.

Dr. Elspeth Cameron Ritchie, a veteran and psychiatrist who specializes in PTSD, agrees. While axe throwing is not a Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment, she said it could be beneficial for those with PTSD.

"I have only heard about it anecdotally, but it makes a lot of sense," Nawoichik said. "It's consistent with some other things we know, which is that exercise is good for both your sense of physical well-being and your sense of mastery."

To promote the benefits for veterans, during the grand opening celebration Saturday, all proceeds from lane sales were donated to the Wounded Warriors Program in Pinellas Park.

Located at 709 N Myrtle Ave. in downtown Clearwater, Hatchet Hangout - Axe Throwing Clearwater is Nawoichik's second business venture in the area. He also owns Escape Room Clearwater Beach, an Escape Games and Scavenger Hunt entertainment venue on Clearwater Beach.

"We’ve created a causal urban atmosphere for an experience you won’t forget. Join our professional instructors as they show you how to throw axes, and then join us at the bar for a drink," he said.

The second indoor axe-throwing venue in Pinellas County, Hatchet Hangout - Axe Throwing Clearwater offers 15 axe-throwing lanes and provides an easy-to-use online reservation system.

The venue is open to walk-ins as well as competitive leagues, team-building events and parties.

Designed as a game anyone can play, visitors are challenges to throw real axes at dart board-like targets to score points.

In between throws, adults can order local craft brews and popular beers, wine, hard seltzers and ciders as well as mixed cocktails from the bar.

For more information, check out the Hatchet Hangout - Axe Throwing Clearwater's Facebook page or call 727-235-0453.