This month, we talk with Clifford Harris, owner of The House of Hatchets in Hyannis.
What do you do?
I own House of Hatchets, the only indoor axe-throwing venue on Cape Cod. We opened in September 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. We offer eight targets, four throwing lanes. We are World Axe Throwing League-affiliated, which offers special member benefits.
How did you get into this business?
I had a 25-year-career in law enforcement and I felt it was time to start the next chapter of my life. After a visit to a similar location off-Cape, I wondered why there wasn’t a place more local for hatchet-throwing. We all hate bridge traffic and many year-round residents complain that there’s nothing to do here in the winter. I’ve always been active in outdoor sports and have coached local football and basketball teams, but this is so much different than any team sport. I love being active and enjoying friendly competition, especially when it’s something new. What better way to enjoy my retirement than throwing hatchets! It’s a fun, safe way to get out your COVID-19 frustrations with a small group of your closest friends.
Who is your clientele?
Anyone over 10 years old (with a parent/guardian) looking to try a new exciting sport. Axe throwing is one of the fastest growing activities in the U.S. We offer a safe, new activity that’s an alternative to bowling, darts or cornhole. We host parties, small groups, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, etc. We coach first-timers to demonstrate the proper technique. We can also help people in creating or joining a league.
Do you offer special events?
We do a number of special events. For Halloween we had a “Zombie Apocalypse” where customers could buy a zombie target that oozed fake blood when struck with a hatchet. We’ve hosted speed dating and “Axe your Ex” for Valentine’s Day, which involves customers throwing at a paper heart as a bullseye.
Future plans?
This year, HOH is hoping to expand at our current location, adding another 3,500-square-feet to include more axe throwing lanes (big axe), indoor archery and knife throwing.
How are your axe-throwing skills?
I’m good, but I haven’t competed yet.
The House of Hatchets is located at 489 Bearses Way, Hyannis. For more information, call 833-422-2937, 833-4CC-AXES or visit capecodaxe.com
