Richmond, Virginia, has become the home to a groundbreaking venue that merges the excitement of a sports bar with the allure of a card shop. Known as Parlay at Graybo’s, this innovative establishment is nestled in the vibrant Scott’s Addition neighborhood, a hotspot for entertainment experiences.
The brainchild of Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, Parlay at Graybo’s sets out to create a communal space where patrons can revel in the joy of opening card packs, partake in live card breaks, catch live sports events on big screens, all while dining and imbibing. The grand opening of this unique venue took place on May 18 with a spectacular event featuring the Preakness Stakes viewing, live music, and special festivities.
Occupying the former space of the Circuit Arcade Bar at 3117 W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s seamlessly intertwines a sports bar with a card shop through a connecting breezeway adorned with a miniature putting green, enhancing the interactive essence of the establishment.
The founders of Parlay at Graybo’s bring a blend of expertise and passion to the table:
– Duke Dodson, a card collector since the late 1980s, reignited his passion for card collecting in 2021. With a solid background in business and real estate in the Richmond area, Dodson plays a crucial role in the venture.
– Gray “Graybo” Burnette, a history buff and former educator, delved into this business venture following his exit from the field of education.
– Ryan Fitz, with a background in property management and tech, focuses on enhancing customer experience, injecting a modern flair into the business.
Inspired by their nostalgia for collecting cards in their youth and a vision to cater to both kids and adults in a sophisticated environment, the team transformed a modest sports card shop into a larger, multifaceted space.
The expanded venue now spans 3,300 square feet for the sports bar and 2,200 square feet for the card shop, positioning itself to attract a larger audience, leveraging its prime location in a bustling entertainment hub.
Parlay at Graybo’s offers a unique feature where patrons can engage in or witness live card breaks from the bar, infusing an element of exhilaration akin to game days. The founders also nurture a collector community through an eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, fostering engagement with collectors locally and beyond.
Ryan Fitz emphasizes the vibrant and growing base of collectors in the Richmond area, ranging from newcomers to seasoned aficionados and investors. The closure of the previous venue, Circuit, paved the way for this new venture, with Dodson seizing the opportunity by acquiring the property just before its shuttering.
The fusion of a sports bar with a card shop sets Parlay at Graybo’s apart, offering a dynamic and distinctive ambiance that is sure to captivate sports fans and card collectors alike, promising an immersive and unparalleled experience.
