Seth Johnson
If you need a way to rel-axe and shred some stress, Bullseye’s in Lake City has eight booths for you to choose from as well as an assortment of sharp objects to throw.
Bullseye’s looks to open to the public in February in the heart of downtown. Located next to Hotel Blanche and a ninja star throw from City Hall, Bullseye’s will hop onto the nationwide trend of axe throwing and give locals a new activity to try out.
Born and raised in Lake City, Tony Roberts has lived in Texas for the last 20 years, where axe throwing spots are pretty common. After moving back in August, Roberts decided to start his own business to give locals something to do.
“I just figured it sounded like a good idea so I said let’s try it out,” Roberts said.
The closest axe throwing facility to Lake City is in Gainesville, and Jacksonville has several to choose from.
Bullseye’s allows guests to rent out booths where they throw for one hour slots—like a bowling alley—with four people per booth.
The ends of 6-inch by 6-inch blocks of wood form a grid at the end of the booth with turf on the ground and ceiling-high walls.
Instead of just a painted target, Roberts said his facility will utilize projectors to give a high tech edge to the medieval period game. The projectors allow visitors to compete by playing tic-tac-toe, connect four or duck hunter.
The typical bullseye can also change to zombies in need of an axe to the head. Visitors can keep track of points on digital scoreboards and see who’d survive World War Z.
“I’d like to give an outlet for people to have a little entertainment in town so they don’t have to drive to Gainesville, don’t have to drive to Jacksonville, to have a little fun,” Roberts said.
He said the activity is fun for all ages and hasn’t set an age limit yet, wanting to keep the option open for younger kids.
Bullseye’s will also provide ninja stars, throwing knives and lighter axes along with the standard weighted one.
Most of the facility is ready to go. Roberts said they’re completing some cosmetic work, making sure everything runs properly and hiring workers.
Bullseye’s is also applying for a beer and wine license from the city to serve bottled beverages.
After a couple of soft openings, Roberts said the facility will have its grand opening and the public will have its go.
He said the facility can host any sort of event, from birthday and wedding parties to team building activities.
Patrons can reserve their booths, sign waivers and pay for them completely online. Then just show up and start chipping away at some wood.
