Richmond, Virginia, known for its eclectic entertainment scene, has raised the bar for sports fanatics and card collectors with the introduction of Parlay at Graybo’s. This innovative venue, nestled in the vibrant Scott’s Addition neighborhood, seamlessly combines the best of both worlds – the lively ambiance of a sports bar and the interactive allure of a sports card shop.
Conceptualized by Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, Parlay at Graybo’s caters to individuals looking to soak in the thrill of opening new card packs, engaging in live card breaks, and catching live sporting events on expansive screens, all while relishing in delicious food and beverages. The grand opening event on May 18, coinciding with the Preakness Stakes viewing, encapsulated the essence of excitement and community with live music and special activities.
Housed in the former location of Circuit Arcade Bar at 3117 W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s is ingeniously connected by a breezeway featuring a miniature putting green, enhancing the overall interactive experience for guests.
The masterminds behind Parlay at Graybo’s bring a wealth of experience and passion to the venture. Duke Dodson, a real estate luminary with a background in business and finance, rekindled his love for card collecting in 2021. Gray Burnette, a history buff and former educator, transitioned into this venture post-pandemic. Ryan Fitz, with a background in property management and technology, injects a modern flair into the establishment’s operations.
Inspired by their fond childhood memories of collecting cards, the trio aimed to create a space that caters to individuals of all ages, offering a blend of sports and collectibles in a sophisticated setting. This vision spurred the transformation of a modest sports card shop into a larger and more versatile venue to accommodate a diverse clientele.
With the new location spanning 3,300 square feet for the sports bar and 2,200 square feet for the card shop, Parlay at Graybo’s is poised to attract a surge in foot traffic, benefitting from its strategic location in a bustling entertainment hub. The venue also introduces a novel feature that enables patrons to participate in or spectate live card breaks from the bar, infusing an electrifying game day atmosphere.
In addition to the physical space, the founders cultivate a robust collector’s community through their eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, fostering engagement with collectors locally and beyond. Ryan Fitz highlighted the burgeoning collector base in Richmond, emphasizing the inclusive nature of Parlay at Graybo’s, which accommodates enthusiasts at all levels.
The closure of Circuit presented a strategic opportunity for Dodson, who swiftly acquired the property to pave the way for this groundbreaking fusion of a sports bar and card shop. Parlay at Graybo’s is set to set a new standard in the region, offering a dynamic and immersive environment that caters to both sports aficionados and card enthusiasts, promising a one-of-a-kind experience for all who walk through its doors.
