Ax-throwing venues in Roseville, Folsom shutter. ‘Beyond grateful to every thrower’
Seven years after introducing lumberjack-style recreation to the capital region, Smart Axe has closed its Roseville and Folsom locations.
The local ax-throwing chain posted on Facebook that its final night was Feb. 28. Both locations are now listed online as permanently closed.
“This wasn’t just a business — it was a vibe, a community, a little bit of chaos, and a whole lot of fun,” the post said. “We’re beyond grateful to every thrower, every staffer, every cheer, every post, and yes ... every beer spilled.”
Ax-throwing venues began gaining popularity in the late 2010s, offering patrons the chance to hurl axes at wooden targets in supervised lanes. Often described as somewhere between darts and bowling, the venues typically hosted bachelor parties, team-building events and recreational leagues.
The industry grew rapidly: The World Axe Throwing League estimated the industry generated about $215 million in revenue in 2022, with roughly 600 ax-throwing venues operating nationwide at its peak. Many have closed in recent years amid economic headwinds.
Smart Axe opened its first location in Rancho Cordova in 2019, bringing the entertainment concept to the Sacramento area. Patrons could reserve lanes or walk in for throwing sessions after a brief safety lesson, with staff nearby to supervise while axes were in the air.
The company later expanded to Davis, Folsom, midtown Sacramento, Modesto and Roseville. Locations typically featured multiple throwing lanes alongside beer and nonalcoholic drinks.
The Rancho Cordova and midtown locations closed in 2024, according to the Sacramento Business Journal. The Davis location also closed in 2024, according to the Davis Enterprise.
In September 2024, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company listed $53,472 in assets and $235,044 in liabilities, according to court documents.
The bankruptcy filing came after a lawsuit in Solano County that accused Smart Axe of breaching a contract with the owners of Solano Town Center in Fairfield. The shopping center had announced Smart Axe was joining, but a location never opened.
Court documents showed the company’s gross revenue declined from more than $2 million in 2022 to $835,000 in 2024 before the bankruptcy filing.
The operators of Smart Axe did not respond to a request for comment on the closures, and Smart Axe’s Modesto location remains open.
The midtown Sacramento venue that first opened as Bad Axe Throwing — part of a national chain but later changing hands — now operates on K Street as ForePlay. Smash Sacramento in Land Park also offers ax throwing alongside other “rage room” style activities.
