Axe-Throwing Fun Headed To Mattituck Cinemas

MATTITUCK, NY — A new day is dawning at the Mattituck Cinemas, with the Axe & Smash Axe Throwing Lounge set to debut this week.

The axe-throwing room will be unveiled Thursday with a grand opening slated for Saturday at the theater, located at 10095 Main Road in Mattituck, according to Marc LaMaina, who is organizing the effort.

"We were looking to repurpose some of the unused theaters. Axe-throwing is relatively new and with no indoor lanes on the North Fork, we thought, 'Why not?'" LaMaina said.

The community has responded with enthusiasm on social media as LaMaina first pitched the concept.

"So far, with the friends and family we have had here throwing, everyone has really enjoyed it. It has a lot of potential with recreational players," he said. "People that may just want to see what it’s all about — and even kids under 12 can use our rubber boards and axes and have a great time."

LaMaina said other plans for the space could be in store. "We are flirting with the idea of a few archery lanes in the next open theater space and a much larger project, working with Greenport's Ricky Saetta here, as well."

That project entails a Ricky TeeVee Indoor Putt Putt course designed for kids and adults, he said. "If you are familiar with Ricky’s work, it is going to be Willy Wonka meets 80s retro. Follow TeeVee here.

"There is a lot of potential and energy being put here right now to try to make this space a family and date-night destination," LaMaina said. "We have all the pieces of the puzzle, just need the stars to align."

LaMaina said the hope is to keep a few theaters open for movies, as well.

When the axe-throwing opens, there will be two "axe masters" that will guide customers from the time they walk in until the time they leave, he said.

About 15 minutes before they begin, guests will have to watch a safety video and go over rules and correct throwing movements with the axe masters, he said.

"Guests will then be able to order food and drinks and then enter the room for 10 minutes of free throw and training before the 60-minute session begins," LaMaina said. Up to six players can play a lane, he said.

To book a reservation online, click here.

Axe throwing is "perfect for a night out with friends or a birthday or bachelorette party. One person asked if they could print a poster of their ex-husband to hang up," LaMaina said, laughing. "I said, 'I guess that’s okay, too.'"

League nights will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning in February.

The new project is the latest in a long line for LaMaina, the owner of the Lucharitos eateries, who's taking his vision to new heights.

"We are in a good position — about to open two huge Lucharitos locations in 2023, one in Mineola and one in a location yet to be announced," he told Patch recently.

A new Lucharitos was unveiled in Melville last year, with a Center Moriches location also launched. Lucharitos also branched out to the concession stand of the Mattituck Cinema. The new sites for the popular taqueria and tequila bars join the original Lucharitos location in Greenport and Little Lucharitos in Aquebogue, as well as the Lucharitos Burrito Bar, which opened in Mattituck, right next door to the theater.

After being shuttered for the pandemic, Mattituck Cinemas reopened in July, 2021 — and for the first time, the theater partnered with Lucharitos to present mouthwatering new offerings at the concession stand.

The concession stand offered not just the classics but Lucharitos-inspired items including nachos, popcorn chicken and fries, giant pretzels and queso, Lucha dogs and more.

The theater is still owned by the Cardinale family, LaMaina said. "We are partnering with them to make it a truly unique experience!" he said.

As the axe-throwing kicks off, LaMaina said beer, wine and a full bar will also now be served in the concession area.

"Alcohol consumption will be closely monitored," he said. "The goal is good, clean fun doing something that is out of the traditional comfort zone."