Richmond, Virginia, is now home to an unprecedented fusion of sports bar entertainment and card collector’s haven with the innovative establishment, Parlay at Graybo’s. Nestled in the vibrant Scott’s Addition neighborhood, long favored for its diverse entertainment options, this new spot is revolutionizing the way sports enthusiasts and collectors enjoy their passions.
The brainchild of Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, Parlay at Graybo’s is designed to be a shared space where guests can revel in the excitement of unboxing new card packs, take part in live card breaks, catch live sporting events on huge screens, and savor delicious food and drinks. The venue celebrated its official opening on May 18 with a grand event centered around the Preakness Stakes viewing, complete with live music and special activities to mark the occasion.
Occupying the former location of the Circuit Arcade Bar at 3117 W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s seamlessly connects a spacious sports bar with a vibrant card shop through a charming breezeway enhanced with a small putting green, elevating the interactive character of the venue.
The trio behind Parlay at Graybo’s brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for the sports card industry to the table:
– Duke Dodson, who kickstarted his card collection journey in the late 1980s, reignited his passion for collecting in 2021, leveraging his strong background in business and finance to become a prominent figure in Richmond’s real estate landscape.
– Gray Burnette, a former educator with a penchant for history, transitioned into this venture following his exit from the educational realm due to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
– Ryan Fitz, drawing from his background in property management and technology, focuses on enhancing customer experiences and modernizing business operations.
Inspired by their fond memories of collecting cards in their youth and driven by a vision to create a space that caters to both children and adults, the founders expanded the initial concept of a modest sports card shop into a more extensive, versatile venue.
Parlay at Graybo’s impressive new location features an expanded sports bar covering 3,300 square feet and an enlarged card shop spanning 2,200 square feet. This growth is expected to significantly boost foot traffic, undoubtedly benefitting from its strategic placement in a bustling entertainment district.
Setting itself apart with an innovative offering, Parlay at Graybo’s enables guests to engage in or spectate live card breaks from the bar, infusing the excitement reminiscent of game days into the experience. Additionally, the founders have fostered a vibrant collector community through avenues such as an eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, ensuring continuous engagement with collectors both near and far.
As Ryan Fitz aptly pointed out, the Richmond area boasts a dynamic and expanding base of collectors across all levels of expertise, from novices to seasoned investors. This positioning makes Parlay at Graybo’s a welcoming haven for all collector types. The serendipitous closure of the former venue, Circuit, presented Dodson with the perfect opportunity to acquire the property and embark on this exciting new chapter.
With its pioneering blend of a sports bar atmosphere intertwined with a card shop ethos, Parlay at Graybo’s epitomizes a cutting-edge concept in the region. Promising an unmatchable, electrifying ambiance, this venue is poised to captivate both sports aficionados and card enthusiasts, delivering an unparalleled, immersive experience that transcends traditional entertainment offerings.