Zanesville business man hopes to keep Battle Axe Throwing of Coshocton a cut above

COSHOCTON − A unique recreation destination in Coshocton is changing hands, but keeping its name and much of what has made it popular.

Battle Axe Throwing at 1941 Otsego Ave. was opened in August 2021 by Canda and Jay Tarman. The building was once home to Stewart Interiors. It has eight, 15-foot lanes for people to throw axes at a target.

"Some people when they first walk in are kind of timid about it, but then you get them loosened up and they find they don't need a lot of upper body strength or anything like that or be real strong or talented. If I can do it, anybody can do it," Canda said. "You can get competitive, but laugh and joke and have a good time with it."

While the Tarmans have enjoyed their time with the business and have many loyal customers, personal issues meant they couldn't keep it going any longer. Canda said they were thrilled to find a new owner so quickly, and someone who was willing to keep the name and much of what they've built.

"I love people and being a people person I enjoyed it so much, I know I'll still come down and support (the new owner)," Canda said. "I hope the community gives him the same they've given us."

Brian Rhodes owns House of Pain Tattoo in Zanesville. He's been looking for another business venture and his friend owns Kick-N-Ax in Zanesville. Through that, Rhodes knew axe throwing establishments have been trendy the last few years.

"It's fun. It's a good time," Rhodes said. "This is something for people to do in Coshocton and they don't have to drive to Zanesville. It keeps everything local."

Rhodes isn't making any big changes right now. He does want to eventually add a couple pool tables and turn the upstairs into an indoor remote control car track. He's an RC enthusiast and sees an opportunity with next door Auer Ace Hardware as an RC dealer .

"I want to keep it the same as what they had it. Everybody liked these guys and I don't want anything to change," Rhodes said of goodwill the Tarmans have built in the community.

Battle Axe Throwing can be followed on Facebook and called at 740-291-9944.

Rhodes has not set a reopening date yet, but he is considering soft opening and some meet and greet days. Once reopened it will have the same days and hours as before. The venue will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday and closed Monday to Wednesday.

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Zanesville business man hopes to keep Battle Axe Throwing of Coshocton a cut above