Seguin hits the bullseye

Former Dixie Grill tranforms into Texas Axeholes

(Seguin) — Seguin’s newest business endeavor has reportedly hit the bullseye with this past weekend’s grand opening of Texas Axeholes, an axe throwing entertainment venue.

What has historically been an event in a lumberjack competition is now described as not only a modern sport but also a unique opportunity for adults to have some fun.

Transforming the old Dixie Grill restaurant along IH-10 into not only axe lanes, but also a venue for billiards, darts and ping pong are owners Sarah and Jessie Wallace.

Sarah, who also happens to be a Seguin Police Officer, says after making Seguin their new home, they wanted to lend their own contributions in making it a better place to live, work and play.

“I love that we can bring some type of entertainment to Seguin. I didn’t know much about Seguin when I came and started working here and I loved the small town feel of it. I loved from the PD aspect of when stuff happened, how great our community would pull together especially events like National Night Out and everything. You saw how much people loved their community and the biggest complaint, myself included, that we had was that there not much to do here so we love that we are bringing some type of entertainment here to Seguin and positive entertainment — a way for people to distress these last two years or so. They have been rough on everyone so hopefully people can come here, let some stress out and have a great time with friends and family and just be in a fun environment,” said Wallace.

Not only is Sarah a police officer, but Jessie, is also a paramedic. She says while the combination might be an ideal one given that their business involves throwing an axe, both have worked hard to really maximum the safety of the venue. She says they have basically looked at other similar spots in the area and have enhanced not only the safety elements but have made the games that much more entertaining.

Wallace says coming up with the business idea, however, was not hard and hopes that it equates to what others have also been looking for here in Seguin.
“So, we love doing active date nights where we are doing something like axe throwing or I love the darts. I was a big champion of getting the darts in here because I love darts, but we like things that when we go out, we like to be active and not just sit down and just conversate or something. We are both high strung people so we’ve axe-thrown before, we love it but my biggest complaint with axe-throwing was I got bored in about 10-20 minutes because it was just repetitive to me and so that’s why we were really big on making sure there were different games where I’m like okay, I’m over this standard target, now let’s move on to Connect Four, tic-tac-toe or black jack so that’s kind of how we came about with this idea,” said Wallace.

Now while everyone loves a grand opening and a new establishment, Wallace does want to make sure that their visit is memorable. For that reason, she asks that folks not only remember to bring closed toe shoes but that they reserve an ax lane in advance.

“The big thing I would say with people right now is reserve online because we would feel so terrible if you came all the way over here and everything is all booked up and you just wasted all your gas gathering all your friends and everyone to come over here and we don’t have a spot for you so make sure to get the time you want. Reserve online and like I said earlier, our two big rules are you have to have closed toed shoes because anyone with sandals can’t throw because of safety reasons and that we are 18 and older except for family days. Those are Saturday and Sunday. They will be from 2 to 7 p.m. and 12 and older are welcome to come those days,” said Wallace.

Also making the establishment unique is the opportunity to bring in your own drinks and food. Wallace says it’s important that the venue be accommodating as much as possible.

“So, they are welcome to bring their own beer and wine, no liquor or bring their own food. So, say if you all came here and you wanted to celebrate a big accomplishment at work or something, you are welcome to order some pizzas, bring your own drinks and just have a good time. We are just providing the entertainment because why come here, spend another 50 something dollars paying for alcohol. Just bring your own. We do limit it to just beer and wine, but you are welcome to do that. We do have some food trucks set up outside. You are welcome to get the food from the food trucks and come on in and eat that in here as well in the nice AC,” said Wallace.

Now before picking up an axe, each guest will receive a few minutes of good coaching for the axe-perts. Among those celebrating his first “stick” on the board during Friday’s ribbon cutting ceremony was Cody Reimer.

“It’s pretty simple. The first couple of times, it bounced off,” said Reimer.

Appearing to edge toward that bullseye with every throw was Rafael Castilleja. Castilleja says this too was his first time throwing an axe.

“The demonstrations are pretty easy. They showed you how to hold it, where to feel when it’s ready to throw. It’s pretty easy, pretty simple. I like it. It’s real nice, a real good place to come to and relax and very welcoming. So, this is the first time for me really throwing an axe but it’s kind of fun, interesting,” said Castilleja.
Those wishing to participate in axe throwing again are encouraged to reserve their lane by visiting texasaxeholes.com. Others are simply welcome to walk in and enjoy the billiards and dart machines. A rental space is also available for parties and other private events.

Texas Axeholes is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 10 p.m.; Fridays from 5 to midnight; Saturdays from 2 p.m. to midnight and Sundays from 2 to 8 p.m. The business is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Texas Axeholes is located at 1575 IH-10. Again, you must be 18 and older to enter. Family fun for ages 12 and older held on designated days and time only.