Richmond, Virginia, has just welcomed a groundbreaking establishment that caters to both die-hard sports fans and avid collectors – Parlay at Graybo’s. Nestled in the lively Scott’s Addition neighborhood, this innovative venue marries the convivial setting of a sports bar with the interactive charm of a sports card shop, creating a space that promises an unparalleled experience for its patrons.
Conceived by the trio of Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, Parlay at Graybo’s envisions a communal hub where guests can revel in the excitement of unboxing new card packs, engage in live card breaks, catch up on the latest sporting events screened on massive displays, all while relishing in delectable meals and refreshing drinks. The grand inauguration of this unique establishment took place on May 18 with a lively event that included airing the Preakness Stakes, accompanied by live music performances and special interactive activities.
Occupying the former site of the Circuit Arcade Bar at 3117 W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s boasts a clever design that seamlessly links the sports bar and card shop through a breezeway furnished with a miniature putting green, elevating the immersive and engaging essence of the venue.
The brains behind Parlay at Graybo’s bring a wealth of experience and a profound love for the sports card industry to the table: Duke Dodson, a card collector since the late 1980s, reignited his passion for collecting in 2021, leveraging his extensive background in business and finance to establish a prominent presence in Richmond’s real estate scene. Gray Burnette, a history buff and former educator, transitioned into this venture following his departure from the educational realm due to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Ryan Fitz, hailing from property management and tech spheres, focuses on enhancing customer engagement, injecting a modern flair into the business’s operations.
Motivated by nostalgia from their childhood collecting days and a vision to craft a space that caters not just to youngsters, but also provides a sophisticated setting for adults to relish sports and memorabilia, the founders transformed the initial modest sports card shop into a more expansive and versatile location.
The brand-new space features significant expansions, with the sports bar spanning 3,300 square feet and the card shop extending to 2,200 square feet. This growth is anticipated to drive increased footfall, given its prime position in an area brimming with entertainment options.
One of the innovative offerings at Parlay at Graybo’s is the opportunity for patrons to partake in or witness live card breaks from the bar, infusing a sense of thrill akin to game days. The founders nurture a sense of community among collectors through their eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, ensuring ongoing engagement with the collector community, both locally and across digital platforms.
According to Fitz, the Richmond region boasts a vibrant and expanding base of collectors spanning from amateurs to seasoned devotees and investors, rendering Parlay at Graybo’s a hospitable space for all. The closure of the former venue, Circuit, presented an opening for this fresh endeavor, which Dodson seized by acquiring the property shortly before its shutdown.
This pioneering amalgamation of a sports bar with a card shop sets Parlay at Graybo’s apart in the region, offering a distinctive, electrifying ambiance that is poised to captivate sports aficionados and card collectors alike, delivering a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience.
