Richmond, Virginia, the city of innovation, has welcomed a groundbreaking establishment that caters to both sports enthusiasts and collectors. Parlay at Graybo’s, situated in the vibrant Scott’s Addition neighborhood, is a novel venue combining the convivial ambiance of a sports bar with the interactive allure of a sports card shop.
Conceived by the trio of Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, Parlay at Graybo’s aims to create a communal hub where guests can relish in the excitement of unwrapping new card packs, engage in live card breaks, and catch live sports action on large screens, all while treating themselves to delicious meals and drinks. The grand opening event on May 18 set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating destination, with activities such as viewing the Preakness Stakes, live music, and more.
Nestled in the former home of the Circuit Arcade Bar at 3117 W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s cleverly connects the sports bar and card shop through a breezeway adorned with a miniature putting green, enhancing the interactive aspect of the venue and creating a dynamic space for patrons to explore.
The founders of Parlay at Graybo’s bring a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the sports card industry to the table. Duke Dodson, a card collecting aficionado since the late 1980s, reignited his interest in card collecting in 2021, leveraging his strong background in business and finance to make a mark in the real estate scene in Richmond. Gray Burnette, a history buff turned entrepreneur, transitioned into this venture following his career in education. Ryan Fitz, with a background in property management and technology, injects a modern flair into the business operations, focusing on customer interaction.
Drawing inspiration from their childhood card collecting memories and driven by the vision to create a space that caters to both children and adults, the trio transformed a modest sports card shop into the expansive and versatile Parlay at Graybo’s. With the new location boasting a sprawling 3,300 square-foot sports bar and a 2,200 square-foot card shop, the venue is poised to attract a diverse array of visitors, benefiting from its strategic location in a bustling entertainment district.
A standout feature of Parlay at Graybo’s is the opportunity for patrons to partake in or observe live card breaks from the bar, adding a level of thrill reminiscent of game days. The founders also cultivate a sense of community among collectors through avenues like their eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, fostering engagement with the collector community both locally and online.
Ryan Fitz highlights the vibrant and expanding collector base in the Richmond area, catering to individuals at all levels of expertise from newcomers to seasoned enthusiasts and investors. The transition from the former venue, Circuit, presented an opportune moment for this innovative venture, which Duke Dodson seized by acquiring the property shortly before its closure.
The fusion of a sports bar with a card shop sets Parlay at Graybo’s apart as a trailblazer in the region, offering a one-of-a-kind, electric atmosphere that is sure to captivate sports fans and card collectors alike, promising an immersive and unforgettable experience for all who step through its doors.
