A (great) update on the future of Chopper's

As of yesterday morning, Don Caro, third of his name, became the newest tenant of a previously-used axe house in south Philly.

Don has high hopes that the new location will be operational very soon. Sure, there's some setup and adjustments necessary, but he's aiming for pre-November, which is pretty damned seamless, as far as closing/openings go. Don explained to me that most of the stuff from Cherry Hill (the current Chopper's location) will fit into the new space, so you can hope to see arcade games, fridges and a few of your favorite TVs in the new spot.

However, Don made sure to point out that the raccoons won't be coming along for the ride.

New location to remain IATF

Don is happy to share the new location will remain an anchor for IATF leagues and tourneys.

"The biggest thing I'm excited to take with us isn't tangible; it's the IATF. Philly was the birthplace of Urban Axe throwing in the U.S., back in 2016. I've been throwing almost as long as that, getting a gift card as a present around the holidays that same year," Don says. "I worked at that first venue, Urban Axes Philadelphia, for over 4 years before they shut down -- due to no fault of their own -- at the end of 2022."

The man himself, standing atop the new Chopper's location

"I learned a lot about the sport at that venue, and learned a lot about business after I transitioned to Chopper's at the end of 2022. There were easily half a dozen venues in [Philadelphia]. Now there's one, and it's mine - which is terrifying and electrifying at the same time," he continues.

Don explains how the previous tenant ran an axe venue in the same location that he's taking over, so a lot of the things he'd need, setup wise, are already there. That means a minimal amount of effort, and a lot less spend in building fees associated with axe throwing venues.

Don's most excited about the venue's proximity to his home, as he has that new little thrower and his wife to consider. But bringing axe throwing back to Philly is a hell of a thing, too. There will be new restaurants, new bars, and an overall new scene to explore.

Adjustments will need to be made

It's not all sunshine, of course. The new location is on the second floor, it doesn't have an expansive parking lot like the current Choppers does (street parking and a garage nearby), but it is Philly: there is parking everywhere, plus multiple bus routes and, you know, a subway. Where the previous location only had a drive there/uber there solution, this new location has multiple modes of transit available. Don's confident both he and league/tourney throwers will come to love the new space just as much as they love/d the current location.

So there you have it. Chopper's isn't going anywhere. Well, okay; it's going somewhere, but not away. We all have a new place in Philly to enjoy, and I get to shave like 25 minutes off my travel time, which is good enough for me to call it a win.