Richmond, Virginia, has welcomed an innovative concept that merges the best of both worlds for sports enthusiasts and collectors. The brainchild of Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, Parlay at Graybo’s is a dynamic fusion of a sports bar and a card shop, situated in the lively Scott’s Addition neighborhood known for its vibrant entertainment scene.
This groundbreaking venue provides a communal haven where guests can relish the excitement of unboxing card packs, partake in live card breaks, savor delicious food and drinks, and catch thrilling sporting events on large screens. The official opening on May 18 was marked by a grand celebration featuring activities like viewing the Preakness Stakes, live music performances, and engaging entertainment.
Occupying the former space of the Circuit Arcade Bar at 3117 W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s ingeniously connects the sports bar and card shop through a breezeway accentuated with a small putting green, fostering an interactive and immersive experience for visitors.
The trio behind Parlay at Graybo’s brings a wealth of expertise and a shared ardor for the sports card industry:
– Duke Dodson, a seasoned collector who reignited his passion in 2021 with a solid business and finance background, has been a prominent figure in Richmond’s real estate sphere.
– Gray Burnette, a history buff and former educator, transitioned into this venture post-pandemic to explore new horizons beyond the classroom.
– Ryan Fitz, with a background in property management and technology, focuses on enhancing customer engagement and infusing a modern touch into the business.
Driven by nostalgia for their own childhood card collecting days and a vision to create a space catering to both children and adults, the founders evolved their initial sports card shop vision into an expansive, diverse venue.
The enhanced location features a sprawling sports bar spanning 3,300 square feet and an expanded card shop covering 2,200 square feet, poised to attract a surge in foot traffic due to its prime positioning in an entertainment hub.
Parlay at Graybo’s introduces a novel concept of live card breaks at the bar, injecting a surge of thrill akin to game-day excitement. Additionally, the founders cultivate a vibrant collector community through avenues like their eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, fostering local and online engagement within the collector community.
Richmond boasts a burgeoning base of collectors spanning all levels of expertise and investment, making Parlay at Graybo’s a haven that caters to a diverse audience. Dodson’s strategic acquisition of the venue post the Circuit’s closure paved the way for this pioneering venture, tapping into a niche market waiting to be explored.
This pioneering blend of sports bar entertainment and card shop allure at Parlay at Graybo’s promises a distinctive, electrifying ambiance, poised to captivate sports aficionados and collectors alike by offering a dynamic and immersive experience.
