Milwaukee bar business Bars & Recreation has spent the last decade bringing all sorts of “activity bars” to the city and beyond. Think indoor mini golf (Nine Below), axe throwing (AXE MKE), shuffleboard and axe throwing (NorthSouth Club), painting (Splash Studio), karaoke (Amped), games shows (Game Show MKE), and bowling (The New Fashioned in the Deer District).
And now…slingshots.
On Wednesday, Bars & Recreation unveiled its newest activity bar: the aptly named Slingshot Bar. The concept is set to land—and possibly break some windows—at 6325 W. National Ave. in West Allis this fall.
“For those of you wondering, yes, this is real,” says Bars & Recreation. “We’re really doing this, and we can’t wait to see you there.”
According to a press release, Slingshot Bar is a “first-of-its-kind” concept, and will bring “a thrilling mix of skill, bar culture, and a hint of danger to National Avenue.” Guests can expect “a full bar, a dynamic open range, all equipment required for shooting, safety training from range marshals, and even a private event space to host team building and corporate groups, because no corporate outing is complete without challenging your boss to hit the tiniest target on the range.”
“During the day, we want this to be a fun place for family gatherings and adventurous birthday parties,” says David Poytinger, co-founder and chief innovation officer of Bars & Recreation. “Then at night, we’re going to create an electric bar atmosphere, complete with the plinking sound of slingshots hitting targets and the cheers of successful shooters in the background. It’s going to be awesome.”
The press release goes on to explain that “slingshot shooting is steadily gaining momentum, with local and national competitions becoming increasingly popular.” It continues:
Some of the best shooters in the country have been featured on major talent competition shows and have large social media followings. Bars & Rec is looking to be a first-mover in the space, with a concept it hopes will help bring attention to the increasingly popular National Avenue corridor and the work being done to revitalize West Allis and make it incredibly business friendly.
“West Allis is on the rise, and businesses like Bars & Recreation are fueling that momentum,” says West Allis Mayor Dan Devine. “Slingshot Bar is bringing something energizing and unique to National Avenue, and I can’t wait to see people taking their best shots.”
Bars & Recreation—co-founded and owned by Marla Poytinger, seen above—purchased the West Allis building in 2022. It was formerly home to CasTech Inc.
And for the “I give it six months” crowd, Nine Below has been open for nine years, and AXE MKE has been open for seven. Not bad! Here’s a Dennis The Menace clip:
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