Manahawkin's Tomahawkin Builds Axe-Throwing Trailer

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Tomahawkin had just started becoming a local weekend hotspot. Customers who wanted to throw an axe on Friday or Saturday nights often needed a reservation.

Then suddenly, they were closed, like almost every New Jersey business during the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown. But Tomahawkin found a way to potentially move their business outdoors.

Tomahawkin already began building an axe-throwing trailer for festivals and outdoor events. It suddenly became a way to potentially get back in business. Owner Sam Ross says he can't take credit for the idea, but it gave Tomahawkin a creative way to potentially keep the activity going.

"We thought before they let us have an indoor location that we might be able to open up sooner if we have an open-air space," Ross said. "We tried to get that together, but luckily they opened indoor entertainment before we were able to finish it."

There's never a good time to close. But Tomahawkin had to stop letting people inside right as it got popular. The axe-throwing venue opened July 2019, bringing the growing sport to 817 North Main St. Read more: Tomahawkin Hits Manahawkin With Cutting-Edge Idea

After the business built momentum, they suddenly had to stop. They had no idea how long they'd need to remain closed, so Ross got to building the trailer, which Tomahawkin unveiled Aug. 21.

The state finally let many indoor-entertainment venues such as Tomahawkin reopen July 2. But things look a bit different inside for public-health reasons.

Masks are mandatory, and only every other lane is available (10 feet between groups). They placed hand sanitizer throughout the facility, disinfect everything after each group leaves and air out the building as much as they can.

Since they could reopen the facility, they haven't needed to move the sport outdoors. But they will begin bringing the trailer to some events. Axe throwing in the trailer will be available for the Lucky's Bed & Biscuit anniversary party, which takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 13 at 508 E Bay Ave.

Even though the trailer could've helped them during the pandemic, Ross has focused more on using it next season, when there are hopes that loosened crowd restrictions will allow more outdoor events to occur.

But either way, Tomahawkin's mobile venue is done.

"It took a lot of hours of welding," he said. "I’ve never welded so much in my life. … I just spent days and days welding."

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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