Axe-Throwing Business Approved to Open Enfield Location

ENFIELD, CT — An entertainment business never before seen in Enfield plans to open its second location in town this spring.

Montana Nights Axe Throwing, which has been thriving since its debut at 80 Fenn Road in Newington in late August, received unanimous approval from the Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday to open a new facility at 604 Enfield Street, in the Enfield Plaza.

According to a post on its Facebook page, the Enfield venue will be called Odin's Keep Axe House. It will be located in the center of the L-shaped plaza, in an extensive space which longtime Enfield residents will recall as the former Enfield Lanes, commission chairman Charles Duren said.

Owner Merle McKenzie told commissioners the facility will sport a Viking boat bar, serving beer and wine only. He said he "has no desire" for a full liquor license, explaining, "We don't have glasses, only cans and bottles, and 99 percent of it is cans."

McKenzie said the business "plans to bring roughly 20 jobs or more to Enfield."

Popularized in Canada, axe throwing has become a sensation on the East Coast, with several venues opening in Connecticut in the past year. Montana Nights is the first to have permits to sell beer and wine, however.

Groups of eight or more may reserve a range for themselves, or a "private pit." A "social axe throwing pit" means groups of less than eight may be throwing with other small groups, depending on availability.

McKenzie explained to commissioners that, for safety purposes, each throwing lane is surrounded by fencing, and each range is supervised by an "axepert" who offers helpful tips to aid participants with their throwing skills.

At the Newington location, anyone aged 10 and up may participate in the fun. Food may be brought in from outside, but alcohol may not; beer and wine is available for purchase on site.

More information may be obtained by visiting www.montananightsaxthrowing.com.

The entire Planning and Zoning meeting may be viewed below. The hearing on the Montana Nights application begins around the 1:36:00 mark.

Photo credit: Nicole Goold
Video courtesy of Enfield Television via YouTube

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