Richmond, Virginia, welcomes a groundbreaking concept with the establishment of Parlay at Graybo’s, an innovative venue that marries the buzz of a sports bar with the intrigue of a sports card shop. Nestled in the lively Scott’s Addition neighborhood, known for its vibrant entertainment scene, this new hotspot is the brainchild of Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette.
At Parlay at Graybo’s, visitors can savor the excitement of cracking open fresh card packs, partake in live card breaks, catch live sports action on oversized screens, all while relishing delectable food and beverages. The venue celebrated its official launch on May 18 with a spectacular event centered around the Preakness Stakes, embellished with live music and various engaging activities.
Occupying the former location of the Circuit Arcade Bar on W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s ingeniously connects the sports bar and card shop through a breezeway that features a miniature putting green, enhancing the interactive and immersive ambiance of the space.
The masterminds behind Parlay at Graybo’s boast a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the sports card industry. Duke Dodson, a real estate luminary in the Richmond area with a penchant for card collecting since the late 1980s, revived his interest in the hobby in 2021. Gray Burnette, an ex-educator and history buff, transitioned into this venture post the challenges of the pandemic. Ryan Fitz, with backgrounds in property management and technology, lends a modern touch to the business operations.
Driven by fond memories of their childhood collections and a vision to create a space catering to both children and adults, the trio transformed a modest sports card shop into a spacious and versatile destination. The new venue spans 3,300 square feet for the sports bar and 2,200 square feet for the card shop, projecting a significant increase in footfall owing to its strategic location in an entertainment-rich enclave.
Parlay at Graybo’s introduces a novel feature where patrons can either join or witness live card breaks from the bar, injecting a dose of thrill reminiscent of game days. The founders also cultivate a community of collectors through their eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, fostering engagement with collectors locally and beyond.
With the burgeoning community of collectors in the Richmond area, spanning from amateurs to seasoned aficionados and investors, Parlay at Graybo’s emerges as a welcoming hub for all. Seizing the opportunity presented by the closure of the former Circuit venue, Dodson swiftly acquired the property, paving the way for this transformative venture.
This ingenious fusion of a sports bar with a card shop sets Parlay at Graybo’s apart, offering a one-of-a-kind, electrifying setting that is poised to attract sports enthusiasts and card collectors alike, promising them an unforgettable and immersive experience.
