Richmond, Virginia, has boldly stepped up its entertainment game with the introduction of Parlay at Graybo’s, a groundbreaking venue that seamlessly blends the lively ambiance of a sports bar with the interactive charm of a sports card shop. Nestled in the vibrant Scott’s Addition neighborhood, known for its array of entertainment spaces, this innovative establishment has quickly become a must-visit destination for both sports enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Crafted by the imaginative minds of Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, Parlay at Graybo’s is more than just a place to grab a drink or peruse some cards – it’s an experiential hub where patrons can relish the excitement of cracking open new card packs, engage in live card breaks, catch thrilling sporting events on large screens, all while indulging in delectable food and drinks. The grand opening on May 18 marked the commencement of this thrilling journey, featuring a Preakness Stakes viewing party, live music, and special activities to kick start the excitement.
Sitting snugly in the former location 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 adorned with a small putting green, accentuating the venue’s interactive appeal and fostering a dynamic environment for guests to immerse themselves in.
The brains behind Parlay at Graybo’s bring a wealth of experience and fervor for the sports card industry to the table. Duke Dodson, a long-time card collector who reignited his passion in 2021, combines his robust background in business and finance with a deep involvement in Richmond’s real estate scene. Gray Burnette, a history buff and former educator, transitioned into this venture post-pandemic challenges in education, while Ryan Fitz, hailing from a property management and tech background, injects a modern touch to the business, focusing on seamless customer experiences.
Rooted in their nostalgic childhood memories of collecting cards and driven by the vision to create a space that caters to all ages, the trio of founders transformed a basic sports card shop into a sprawling venue that caters equally to youngsters and adults looking to bask in the joys of sports and collectibles. This evolution saw the sports bar area expand to 3,300 square feet and the card shop grow to 2,200 square feet, promising increased foot traffic, particularly with its prime location in the heart of an entertainment-rich neighborhood.
Parlay at Graybo’s introduces an exciting feature that allows patrons to partake in or witness live card breaks from the bar area, infusing the thrill of game days into the card collecting experience. Additionally, the founders nurture a community of collectors through avenues like an eBay store, a weekly podcast, and live online breaks, fostering engagement within the local collecting community and beyond boundaries.
Ryan Fitz highlights the thriving collector base in the Richmond area, ranging from novices to seasoned aficionados and investors, positioning Parlay at Graybo’s as a welcoming haven for all. Duke Dodson’s timely acquisition of the Circuit property paved the way for this innovative endeavor, offering a fresh start with a hybrid model that merges the best of a sports bar and a card shop, creating a novel and vibrant space that beckons sports fans and card collectors alike to savor a unique and immersive experience.
Parlay at Graybo’s stands as a pioneer in its fusion of sports entertainment and collectible trading, promising a one-of-a-kind and electrifying atmosphere that is sure to captivate a diverse audience, eager to revel in the thrill of games and the treasure hunt of sought-after cards, all within the walls of this innovative Richmond venue.