When Julia Becker posted on Facebook that Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing is coming soon to Mt. Pleasant, the news quickly spread across town with excitement. Becker is bringing the first Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing franchise to Michigan, joining other axe-throwing entertainment facilities that have recently been opening across the state.
“They’re popping up all over the place; a lot of them are independent,” shares Becker. “I think we really need something fun, not just for the college kids, but for all ages, really. We’re talking about a great place for bachelor and bachelorette parties and corporate events. It’ll appeal to a lot of age groups.”
“You don’t have to be athletic or have a lot of experience,” she continues. “I’ve only thrown four or five times—I was just hooked after my first time!”
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Becker is bringing the first Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing franchise to Michigan in the former China 1 Buffet building at 1711 S. Mission St. in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. (Photo: Courtney Jerome/Epicenter)While she may not have ample experience in axe throwing, the Mt. Pleasant local is not a first-time entrepreneur. She has lived in Mt. Pleasant for about 21 years while raising her family, managing rentals, and retiring from a career in the oil and business industry in 2021. This is her first venture in a commercial business space.
“It’s going to be a multifaceted place,” Becker says, describing the new Mt. Pleasant Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing venue. “People can come and hang out and watch. We’re going to incorporate corn hole, arcade games, lots of TVs, and we will serve alcohol and some food.”
“We’ve already been asked for birthday parties and team-building activities,” she continues, noting her plans to open in the fall when CMU students return, and sharing they will initially open without a liquor license at first.
While it was a challenge to find the right location in town, due to the need for high ceilings and to be in a specified area in order to have a liquor license, Becker is excited to begin renovating the former China 1 Buffet building at 1711 S. Mission St. and turn it into a Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing venue.
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Julia Becker is renovating the former China 1 Buffet building at 1711 S. Mission St. and turning it into a Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing venue, set to open in fall 2023. (Photo: Courtney Jerome/Epicenter)Becker speaks highly of the Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing franchise owners, saying they opened their first location in 2017 in Pennsylvania, and have additional locations in Florida and California.
“I’m super excited. I’ve had some setbacks trying to find the right space, but I think that the community is just chomping at the bit for something like this,” she shares. “It’s going to be quite the splash, I think!”
Becker states that those aged 10 and up will be allowed to throw, and all ages are welcome to watch axe-throwing, corn hole, television screens, or just be part of a “hang out place.” As a member of the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) Valhalla will host axe-throwing leagues, events, and tournaments. Becker is also looking forward to hosting corn hole tournaments at Valhalla, as well as being part of the community.
“We want to be a big part of the community. I’m big on giving back,” states Becker. “We will be giving back and donating to silent auctions and fundraisers. We are a small community and I want to be an integral part of it.”
Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing can be found online at
valhallasavage.com/mtpleasant-mi and at
facebook.com/ValhallaMtPleasantMi.
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