Kinston has a new option for nightlife! Family-friendly Ironclad Axe Throwing opened on July 1st to bring residents together to reduce stress and enjoy the physical activity of axe throwing.

“We like the downtown feel,” said owner Shawn Stengele. “Kinston has a strong history, and with the revitalization of Queen Street we thought we’d be a good fit.”

One reason Stengele, along with his wife Audrey and co-owners George and Kim Bessey, looked to Kinston was he saw the town putting in its own resources to bring life back to the town. He hopes to create a platform that encourages other businesses to come to Kinston.

“Axe throwing reduces stress, it improves mental health, and you get a physical workout all in one,” said Stengele. “Every community needs an avenue to relieve the stress that will improve their mental health.”

Axe throwing has no barriers as anyone aged 10 or older can throw at Ironclad Axe Throwing. It’s a sport that will bring people together through competition that is available for the family, corporate events, and team-building sessions.

“If they are not old enough to throw, we have an arcade they can play in,” said Stengele.

The World Axe Throwing League (WATL) is represented in 18 different countries and Ironclad’s throwers can join a league. Ironclad has novice throwers and expert throwers; their assistant manager and their general manager are both in the top 10 seeds in the world championship. Their general manager set the record for the most bullseye in a row with 159.

“We have the best coaches in the world in downtown Kinston,” said Stengele.

Ironclad Axe Throwing joins Beary the Hatchet in New Bern as the family-owned small business. Their goal is to treat their customers like family and can’t wait until everyone joins in the fun.