Richmond, Virginia, just got an adrenaline shot with the opening of Parlay at Graybo’s, a cutting-edge destination where sports bar excitement meets the charm of a card shop. Tucked in the lively Scott’s Addition neighborhood, this innovative venue is a brainchild of Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, designed to offer a haven for sports enthusiasts and card collectors alike.
Imagine stepping into a space where you can relish the thrill of cracking open new card packs, engage in live card breaks, catch up on sporting events on oversized screens, all while savoring a delicious meal and drinks. The grand opening on May 18 set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying experience, featuring live music, special activities, and the Preakness Stakes viewing for the ultimate entertainment blend.
Formerly home to the Circuit Arcade Bar, Parlay at Graybo’s has ingeniously linked the sports bar and card shop through a connecting breezeway adorned with a mini putting green, adding a dynamic and immersive touch to the venue. Dodson, Burnette, and Fitz bring a wealth of experience and ardor for the sports card industry to the table, each infusing their unique skills into the venture.
Duke Dodson, a real estate maven with a penchant for card collecting, reignited his passion for the hobby in 2021, bringing his business acumen to the forefront. Gray Burnette, a history buff turned entrepreneur, found his calling in this venture post his teaching career, while Ryan Fitz, blending property management and tech expertise, orchestrates a modern touch to the business operations.
Drawing inspiration from their childhood memories of collecting cards, the trio expanded a modest card shop into a sprawling, dynamic space that caters to a diverse audience, from children to adults seeking a refined atmosphere to revel in sports and collectibles. The premises boast a vast expanse, with the sports bar spanning 3,300 square feet and the card shop sprawling over 2,200 square feet, poised to attract a surge in foot traffic thanks to its prime location in an entertainment-saturated locale.
Parlay at Graybo’s introduces an exciting feature that allows patrons to engage in or spectate live card breaks from the bar, injecting a pulse-racing thrill reminiscent of game days. The founders foster a tight-knit community of collectors through an eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, ensuring a constant buzz among collectors, both locally and in the online realm.
Richmond’s burgeoning community of collectors, ranging from newcomers to seasoned veterans and investors, forms the heartbeat of Parlay at Graybo’s, offering a warm embrace to all enthusiasts. The opportune closure of the previous venue, Circuit, paved the way for Dodson to seize the property, setting the stage for this groundbreaking venture.
The fusion of a sports bar with a card shop is a trailblazing concept in the region, promising a vibrant and immersive ambience that is bound to captivate sports fans and collectors alike, providing a one-of-a-kind experience that transcends boundaries. Step into Parlay at Graybo’s, where sports bar vibes and card shop allure converge to create a haven for every fan and collector alike.
