Hatchet Throwing Craze Comes to Point Pleasant Beach

The first time that Werfen Hakilo went to a hatchet throwing bar in Chicago, he thought it was amazing. "What could be better than a place where you can drink beer and throw axes?" he said. "It was such a blast that after only one visit, I knew I had to own my own hatchet place one day." Now, after almost five years, Hakilo's wish is about to come true. Later this month he is opening his own pub called Ye Olde Hatchet Catch-it!  in downtown Point Pleasant Beach.

This is not Hakilo's first foray into trendy bars and eateries. Four years ago he opened a barbecue and billiards restaurant called B-B-Cue Stick. "The idea was that people could play pool while enjoying barbecued meats served on a stick," said Hakilo. "It seemed like a great idea, but we didn't count on how messy and greasy all of the pool cues and tables would get from the barbecued food. We couldn't keep the place clean. We wound up closing after six months."

"Then there was my steakhouse called Holy Cow!" continued Hakilo. "The idea was that we would serve steaks with a circular hole in the middle. Fried onions and mushrooms would be piled in the hole. It was a terrific idea, but it never took off. Turned out 'holy cow' is trademarked so we couldn't use it."

Hakilo is confident that this time will be different. "If there's one thing I know for sure it's that people will love watching other people throwing axes at each other!"

The unusual premise of the new pub is that patrons will be able to participate in hatchet throwing duels. Contestants will be given a protective suit of armor and have a wooden target board on their chest. They will then take turns throwing the small axes at each other. After three throws the participant with the high score will win $100. The other contestants will receive $25 just for playing. "I'm really excited about this concept," said Hakilo. "There's no way this one can miss... pun intended." 

Ye Olde Hatchet Catch-It! will function as a conventional axe throwing pub on most nights, but on Friday and Saturday nights patrons will be able to throw axes at each other. Hakilo is also planning a special event for Valentine's Day.

"Valentine's day will feature a couples only hatchet throw," said Hakilo. "Couples will be able to suit up in armor and throw axes at each other. If one manages to hit the other's heart, they will receive a $50 spa gift card. If they manage to hit each other's hearts, they will receive a one night getaway to Atlantic City!"

While some might consider axe duels to be dangerous, Hakilo says that safety is his top priority. "I always believe in safety first, that's why I have installed a special safety cage where I can announce the contests. None of the axes can get near me. As for the contestants, they should be fine, too. The company that sold us the suits of armor has assured me that it's pretty unlikely that a hatchet could penetrate."

Ye Olde Hatchet Catch-it! will open on February 5th. Reservations and up to date life insurance are recommended.