Gladstone Couple Throw Themselves Into Hatchet Business

GREEN BROOK, NJ — Mark and Monica Milan have always been an outdoorsy couple. They lived on an 18-acre wood lot in Califon for many years before moving to Gladstone.

They had many adventures as a family of four with downed trees, flooding, and even surprise black bear visits. Although getting into the hatchet throwing business is a whole new adventure.

Mark, a technology salesman, and Monica, a stay at home mom and yoga instructor, are opening their own franchise Stumpy's Hatchet House at 159 Route 22 in Green Brook where Capital Lighting used to be.

Mark is friends with one of the founders of the franchise who came up with the concept of throwing hatchets while also enjoying time with friends in a safe and fun environment.

Stumpy's in Green Brook will be BYOB for wine and beer and food can be brought in or delivered from area restaurants.

"It will be a good mix of friendly competition and a social environment," Monica said. "It will feel like a Vermont cottage inside."

As guests check in, they will be escorted to a training area where an instructor will teach them how to properly throw a hatchet and any safety precautions.

Guests then will be assigned to one of the 15 different pit areas that are each adjacent to comfy leather couches and chairs for spectators to watch while someone else is throwing.

"Safety is our number one priority," Mark and Monca said.

They noted how many guests are so engaged with the competition and throwing that it's not about getting drunk. It's more about the competition and social environment versus sitting at a bar and just drinking.

Guests are also offered different games to play while throwing or even board games such as a giant size Jenga or chess to play while waiting.

"The whole concept is like darts on steroids," Mark said.

Guests pay per hour per guest and can even book adjacent pits for larger groups. Each pit holds about 10 people.

There is also room to host business meeting/corporate outing, bachelor, bachelorette, birthday, or divorce/break up parties and more. Up to 100 people can be accommodated inside.

A target opening date is projected between May 1 and June 1.

For more information on Stumpy's in Green Brook visit greenbrooknj.stumpyshh.com or call 201-889-4980 or email Info@stumpysgreenbrook.com or Facebook or Instagram.

(Image via Stumpy's: Mark and Monica Milan)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.