Richmond, Virginia, has become the home of a groundbreaking venue that seamlessly merges the thrill of a sports bar with the intrigue of a sports card shop. Parlay at Graybo’s, situated in the lively Scott’s Addition neighborhood, adds a unique twist to the city’s entertainment scene.
Conceived by the trio of Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, Parlay at Graybo’s offers an atmosphere where patrons can revel in the excitement of opening card packs, engage in live card breaks, catch live sports action on large screens, all while relishing in delicious food and drinks. The grand opening on May 18th set the tone for what promises to be a captivating experience, complete with viewing the Preakness Stakes, live music performances, and special activities.
Housed in the former location of the popular Circuit Arcade Bar on W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s introduces a seamless blend of a sports bar and a card shop, creatively interconnected by a breezeway featuring a small putting green. This design element adds to the interactive and dynamic ambiance of the venue.
The founders of Parlay at Graybo’s bring a diverse mix of expertise and passion to the venture. Duke Dodson, a seasoned business figure in the Richmond real estate scene, reignited his love for card collecting after a long hiatus, while Gray Burnette, a history buff and former educator, shifted gears post-pandemic to delve into this exciting venture. Ryan Fitz, with a background in property management and technology, infuses a modern touch to the business operations, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Driven by nostalgia for their childhood card collecting days and a vision to create a space suitable for individuals of all ages, the trio expanded their initial sports card shop concept into a multi-faceted venue. With the sports bar spanning 3,300 square feet and the card shop area growing to 2,200 square feet, Parlay at Graybo’s is poised to attract a significant influx of visitors, capitalizing on its prime location within an entertainment hub.
One of the standout features of Parlay at Graybo’s is the live card breaks that guests can either participate in or watch from the bar, adding a layer of thrill and anticipation reminiscent of game days. The founders also cultivate a sense of community among collectors through avenues such as their eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, fostering engagement within the collector community both locally and virtually.
Ryan Fitz highlighted the vibrant collecting community in the Richmond area, comprising hobbyists, enthusiasts, and serious investors, thus positioning Parlay at Graybo’s as a welcoming haven for all. Dodson’s timely acquisition of the property following the closure of the previous venue, Circuit, paved the way for this innovative concept to take shape.
The fusion of a sports bar with a card shop at Parlay at Graybo’s is a novel approach in the region, promising a one-of-a-kind, electrifying atmosphere that is sure to captivate sports aficionados and card collectors alike, providing them with an immersive and unforgettable experience.
