Big Timber Axe Throwing gets OK to include bar at new Rockford location
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Big Timber Axe Throwing got the go-ahead from City Council members on Monday to include a bar as part of its new location in downtown.
Aldermen voted 10-1 to approve a liquor license for the company’s new location at 301 S. Main St. on the ground floor of Urban Equity Properties’ luxury loft development. Alderman Frank Beach, R-10, voted against the measure.
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Council members had previously delayed a vote over concerns about mixing alcohol with a business centered around accurately tossing an ax at a wooden target. For most, those concerns eased after researching other areas of the state where ax throwing coexists with drink service without safety issues. The measure passed unanimously out of committee last week after more discussion.
Big Timber opened Feb. 1, 2020, in the Regency Plaza at 4249 E. State St. across from Peak Fitness. Its move to downtown gives it more space to hold competitions and leagues, as well as to include a bar and lounge. The business is filling the 3,200-square-foot ground floor space of Urban Equity’s 33-unit luxury apartment development. It temporary closed this month to prepare for the move.
The owners told the Rock River Current in February that they understand the concerns about mixing alcohol and ax throwing, but that they would keep a limit on how much patrons can be served.
“We’re planning on limiting to two drinks during their time throwing, then if they want to they can hang out and have a drink and hang out and watch other people throw or compete in leagues,” Kyle Giron, who owns the business with Joey and Dave Hammack, said at the time.
The goal is to open by early summer.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
