Jul. 27—POTTSVILLE — The city experienced its first-ever ribbon-chopping ceremony Thursday at the grand opening of The Chopping Block, an ax-throwing venue on South Centre Street.
Alex Chivinski and Jon Marsh, co-owners, cut a traditional red ribbon with hand-held axes.
The thud of axes, echoing through a spacious sports bar, sounded the advent of the latest new business venture in downtown Pottsville.
"Wow, what a day," said Robert S. Carl Jr., president and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. "We've been waiting for this for a long time."
Carl took the liberty of anointing the gathering of about 100 people as a record crowd for chamber ribbon-cuttings at new businesses.
"In today's world," he said, "we all need a place to let loose and have a little fun."
Carl was quick to point out some of The Chopping Block safety rules, which include not wearing open-toed shoes and parental waivers for patrons 14 to 17 years old.
The Chopping Block has 14 enclosed ax-throwing lanes monitored by "axperts," who instruct patrons on ax-throwing techniques and safety measures.
With five people to each lane, the venue can handle 70 people at once.
The throwing lanes are fitted with projected targets depicting seven different games, including tic-tac-toe and Connect 4, and a standard dart board configuration.
The renovated space, a one-time Packard dealership showroom, includes a sports bar with 12 taps and nine televisions.
Future plans are to install ax-throwing lanes and a bar on the second floor, which would be available for private parties.
The facility is monitored by a staff of 25 employees, the owners said.
A host of public officials and business representatives wished the owners success in their new venture.
Mary Beth Dougherty, representing state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Twp., praised the owners for restoring a building that had been vacant for years.
"This is a poster child for restoration," she said, stressing Argall's support for downtown revitalization.
County Commissioner Gary J. Hess commended the owners for embarking on a long journey to make their vision a reality.
"This would be a great stress reliever after spending a long day in the courthouse," Hess said, receiving laughter from the crowd.
The project received support and encouragement from the chamber, the Pottsville Area Development Corp. and the Pottsville Business Association.
Savas Logothetides, PADCO executive director, said The Chopping Block is part of a transformation of downtown Pottsville.