Richmond, Virginia, a city known for its historical charm and vibrant entertainment scene, has unveiled a revolutionary destination that is sure to capture the hearts of sports fans and collectors alike. Parlay at Graybo’s, nestled in the lively Scott’s Addition neighborhood, marries the convivial ambiance of a sports bar with the interactive allure of a sports card shop, setting the stage for the ultimate fan experience like no other.
The brainchild of Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, Parlay at Graybo’s was designed to be a social hub where patrons can revel in the excitement of cracking open fresh card packs, partake in live card breaks, catch the latest sports action on giant screens, all while indulging in delectable meals and refreshing drinks. The venue made a grand entrance into the scene with a spectacular launch event on May 18, featuring a thrilling viewing party for the Preakness Stakes, alongside live music and engaging festivities.
Occupying the former home of the Circuit Arcade Bar at 3117 W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s seamlessly intertwines the sports bar and card shop through a breezeway accentuated by a miniature putting green, elevating the interactive and immersive feel of the space.
The minds behind Parlay at Graybo’s bring a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the sports card industry to the table:
– Duke Dodson, a card collecting enthusiast since the late 1980s, reignited his love for the hobby in 2021, leveraging his extensive background in business and finance to make a striking impact on the real estate landscape in Richmond.
– Gray Burnette, a history buff and former educator, made a foray into the entrepreneurial world following his departure from the educational realm amidst the challenges brought by the pandemic.
– Ryan Fitz, with a background in property management and technology, directs his focus on customer integration, infusing a modern flair into the operational aspects of the business.
Inspired by the nostalgia of their childhood collecting days and driven by the vision to create a space that caters to both youngsters and adults seeking a sophisticated environment to revel in sports and collectibles, the trio expanded the original modest sports card shop into a sprawling, multifaceted establishment.
The new premises boast a remarkable expansion, with the sports bar spanning 3,300 square feet and the card shop spreading across 2,200 square feet. This growth is poised to significantly boost foot traffic, supported by its strategic location in a vibrant entertainment district.
One of the standout features of Parlay at Graybo’s is its innovative concept of enabling patrons to engage in or observe live card breaks from the bar, injecting a pulsating energy akin to that of game days. The founders also nurture a tight-knit community of collectors through their eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, fostering continuous interaction with the collector community, both locally and across virtual realms.
According to Fitz, the Richmond area boasts a burgeoning community of collectors spanning a diverse spectrum from amateurs to seasoned aficionados and investors, positioning Parlay at Graybo’s as a welcoming haven for enthusiasts of all levels. The serendipitous closure of the former venue, Circuit, paved the way for this new venture, with Dodson seizing the opportunity by acquiring the property shortly before its shutdown.
This pioneering amalgamation of a sports bar with a card shop sets Parlay at Graybo’s apart as a trailblazer in the region, offering a distinctive and electrifying ambiance that is bound to captivate sports aficionados and card collectors alike, promising them an immersive and unparalleled experience.
