News

In Richmond, Virginia, a novel concept has been brought to life that merges the thrill of sports card collecting with the dynamic atmosphere of a sports bar. This innovative venture, named Parlay at Graybo’s, is the brainchild of three local businessmen, Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette. Situated in the bustling Scott's Addition neighborhood, known for its vibrant entertainment scene, this establishment offers a unique venue where patrons can enjoy sports viewing, card trading, and socializing in one spot.

• Location and Launch: Parlay at Graybo’s is located at 3117 W. Leigh Street, a site formerly occupied by the Circuit Arcade Bar. The grand opening took place on May 18, featuring card breaks, live music, and the broadcast of the Preakness Stakes. An official grand opening celebration followed on May 24.

• Design and Features: The venue combines a sports bar and a card shop connected via a breezeway, complete with a small putting green. This setup provides a seamless transition between enjoying a meal and engaging in card trading activities.

• Backgrounds of the Founders:

  • Duke Dodson, born in 1979, started collecting cards in 1987. After stepping away from the hobby during his middle school and high school years, he rediscovered his passion for it in late 2021. Dodson holds a bachelor’s degree in business and economics and a master’s in finance, and he established Dodson Companies in 2007, focusing on real estate development in Richmond.
  • Gray Burnette, a history enthusiast and former middle school teacher and basketball coach, left education post-COVID-19, citing the challenges and changes the pandemic imposed on the teaching environment.
  • Ryan Fitz has a background in property management and tech, specializing in customer integration.

• The Concept: The founders wanted to create an adult-friendly card shop experience that would cater to various needs, from watching sports to hosting fantasy football drafts or children's parties. This led to the expansion of the original sports card shop into a more comprehensive space.

• Expansion and Online Presence: The sports card shop has grown from a modest 500-square-foot space to a substantial 2,200-square-foot area. Additionally, the sports bar occupies 3,300 square feet. The expansion, paired with its strategic location, is expected to boost visitor numbers significantly. Parlay at Graybo’s also maintains an online presence with an eBay store, a weekly podcast, and participates in online breaks on Fanatics Live.

• Community and Market Impact: According to Fitz, Richmond has a lively and expanding community of collectors, from newcomers to seasoned hobbyists and investors. The unique combination of a sports bar and card shop is intended to serve this diverse community, providing a novel space that caters to a wide range of interests within the collecting hobby.

• Future Prospects: The closing of the Circuit in late 2023, after six successful years, paved the way for this new venture. Dodson acquired the property for $4 million shortly before the Circuit's closure. The new establishment not only offers traditional sports bar amenities but also includes the innovative feature of live box breaks that patrons can watch while enjoying their visit.

• Unique Offering: As Burnette explains, combining a sports card shop with a sports bar offers a gameday-like experience regardless of the side of the building guests choose to explore. This model provides a dynamic atmosphere that is rare in the industry, potentially setting a trend for similar establishments in other cities.