Richmond, Virginia, is now home to a revolutionary destination that merges the best of both worlds for sports aficionados and collectors. Parlay at Graybo’s, nestled in the vibrant Scott’s Addition neighborhood, has set out to create a haven where enthusiasts can revel in the camaraderie of a sports bar while indulging in the interactive allure of a sports card shop.
Crafted by the visionaries Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, this concept seeks to offer a shared space where patrons can relish the excitement of unpacking fresh card packs, engage in live card breaks, catch live sporting events on expansive screens, and savor delectable meals and drinks. The venture unveiled its doors to the public with a spectacular launch event on May 18, coinciding with the viewing of the Preakness Stakes and featuring live music and special festivities.
Occupying the former residence 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 adorned with a miniature putting green, heightening the interactive and captivating essence of the venue.
Having backgrounds ingrained in diverse fields, the creators of Parlay at Graybo’s bring forth a fusion of experiences and passion for the sports card industry. Duke Dodson, a seasoned card collector who reignited his ardor for collecting in 2021, merges his proficiency in business and finance with a profound influence in the real estate domain in Richmond. Gray Burnette, a history buff and former educator, delved into this venture following his departure from the educational sector post-pandemic disruptions. Ryan Fitz, hailing from property management and tech spheres, infuses a contemporary touch to customer engagement, enriching the business’s operational dynamics.
Driven by nostalgia from their formative years of collecting and a vision to carve a space catering not only to children but also offering a refined ambiance for adults to relish sports and collectibles, the trio has transcended the initial modest scale of a sports card shop to unveil a sprawling, versatile destination.
The revamped site encompasses a substantial expanse with the sports bar spanning 3,300 square feet and the card shop extending over 2,200 square feet. This expansion is poised to escalate foot traffic significantly, benefitting from its strategic positioning in an entertainment-laden locale.
Parlay at Graybo’s introduces an inventive feature permitting guests to engage in or witness live card breaks from the bar, infusing a pulse-raising zest synonymous with game days. Moreover, the founders have fostered a robust collector community through avenues like their eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, nurturing engagement with collectors locally and beyond.
Ryan Fitz accentuates that the Richmond region boasts a thriving and expanding base of collectors spanning a spectrum from novices to seasoned connoisseurs and investors, rendering Parlay at Graybo’s a hospitable hub for all. The transition from the erstwhile Circuit venue paved the way for this fresh venture, which Dodson seized by acquiring the property shortly before its closure.
This avant-garde fusion of a sports bar entwined with a card shop heralds a new era in the region, proffering a distinctive, electrifying ambiance certain to captivate both sports buffs and card enthusiasts, whisking them into a unique, immersive experience that promises lasting memories.
