Richmond, Virginia, known for its vibrant entertainment scene, has welcomed a groundbreaking venue that combines the best of two worlds for sports enthusiasts and collectors. Parlay at Graybo’s, situated in the lively Scott’s Addition neighborhood, offers a fresh concept that merges the social ambiance of a sports bar with the interactive allure of a sports card shop.
Conceived by Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, Parlay at Graybo’s aims to provide a communal hub where guests can relish the excitement of opening new card packs, engage in live card breaks, and catch their favorite sporting events on large screens, all while indulging in delicious meals and drinks. The venue made its grand debut on May 18 with a spectacular event featuring activities like viewing the Preakness Stakes, live music, and special entertainment.
Occupying the former space of the Circuit Arcade Bar at 3117 W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s cleverly intertwines the sports bar and card shop through a breezeway adorned with a small putting green, elevating the interactive and engaging aspect of the establishment.
The masterminds behind Parlay at Graybo’s bring a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the sports card industry to the table. Duke Dodson, an avid card collector since the late 1980s, reignited his collecting passion in 2021, leveraging his extensive background in business and finance to make a mark in real estate in Richmond. Gray Burnette, a history enthusiast and former educator, transitioned into this venture post-pandemic after leaving the academic sphere. Ryan Fitz, with a background in property management and technology, focuses on customer integration, infusing a contemporary edge into the business’s operations.
Motivated by nostalgic childhood memories of collecting cards and a vision to create a space catering to both children and adults, the trio transformed a modest sports card shop into a spacious, versatile destination. The enhanced location boasts a sprawling sports bar covering 3,300 square feet and an expanded card shop spanning 2,200 square feet, poised to draw a significant influx of visitors courtesy of its prime spot in an entertainment-rich district.
Parlay at Graybo’s introduces an innovative concept that allows patrons to partake in or spectate live card breaks from the bar, injecting an element of thrill akin to game days. The founders nurture a collector community through avenues like their eBay store, a regular podcast, and online live breaks, ensuring continuous engagement with collectors locally and beyond.
Ryan Fitz highlights Richmond’s thriving collector base, which spans from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts and investors, positioning Parlay at Graybo’s as an inclusive sanctuary for all. The closure of the former venue, Circuit, paved the way for this novel endeavor, with Dodson seizing the opportunity by acquiring the property before its shutdown.
With its pioneering fusion of a sports bar and a card shop, Parlay at Graybo’s promises a one-of-a-kind, exhilarating setting that is set to captivate sports aficionados and card collectors, providing them with an unparalleled, immersive experience in the heart of Richmond.
