Richmond, Virginia, has upped its leisure game with a groundbreaking establishment that caters to both sports aficionados and collectors. Parlay at Graybo’s stands as a one-of-a-kind venue that harmoniously merges the conviviality of a sports bar with the interactive allure of a sports card shop. Nestled in the lively Scott’s Addition neighborhood, renowned for its entertainment offerings, this innovative space is the brainchild of Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette.
The vision behind Parlay at Graybo’s is to create a communal hub where patrons can relish the excitement of unveiling new card packs, partake in live card breaks, catch sporting events on large screens, all while savoring delicious food and drinks. The venue made a grand entrance on May 18 with a spectacular event that included watching the Preakness Stakes, accompanied by live music and special activities.
Situated at the former home of the Circuit Arcade Bar on 3117 W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s seamlessly connects the sports bar and card shop through a breezeway adorned with a miniature putting green, elevating the interactive and engaging vibe of the space.
With a wealth of experience and a profound love for the sports card industry, the founders of Parlay at Graybo’s bring a diverse set of skills to the table. Duke Dodson, a seasoned card collector from the late 1980s, rekindled his passion for collectibles in 2021, blending his expertise in business and finance with a deep-rooted presence in the Richmond real estate scene. Gray Burnette, a history buff and former educator, transitioned into this venture post-pandemic, while Ryan Fitz, hailing from property management and tech fields, injects a modern touch to the business operations.
Inspired by their childhood memories of collecting cards, the trio sought to build a venue that caters to both children and adults, offering a sophisticated environment for sports enjoyment and collectibles. This aspiration led to the transformation of a modest sports card shop into a more expansive and versatile space.
The new location presents a significant enlargement, with the sports bar covering 3,300 square feet and the card shop extending to 2,200 square feet. This expansion is set to drive foot traffic, leveraging its prime spot in an entertainment-rich locale.
One of the standout features at Parlay at Graybo’s is the ability for patrons to engage in or observe live card breaks from the bar, infusing an element of thrill reminiscent of game days. The founders also nurture a tight-knit collector community through their eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, ensuring sustained connection with collectors both locally and beyond.
Ryan Fitz underscored Richmond’s burgeoning collector scene, spanning from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts and investors, positioning Parlay at Graybo’s as an inclusive haven for all. The closure of the preceding venue, Circuit, paved the way for this fresh endeavor, as Dodson seized the opportunity by acquiring the property shortly before its shutdown.
This amalgam of a sports bar with a card shop is a trailblazing concept in the region, offering a dynamic and electrifying ambiance that is poised to attract sports buffs and card collectors alike, presenting them with a distinctive and immersive experience.
