Richmond, Virginia, has hit the jackpot with its latest entertainment gem, Parlay at Graybo’s, where sports aficionados and card collectors collide in a harmonious blend of excitement and nostalgia. Tucked away in the vibrant Scott’s Addition neighborhood, this innovative venue is the brainchild of Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, who have seamlessly merged the convivial ambiance of a sports bar with the interactive allure of a sports card shop.
The vision behind Parlay at Graybo’s is to create a communal space where guests can revel in the anticipation of cracking open fresh card packs, partake in live card breaks, catch the latest sporting events on oversized screens, all while indulging in delectable food and beverages. Its grand opening on May 18th marked a momentous occasion, complete with a viewing party for the Preakness Stakes, live musical performances, and a plethora of special activities to ignite the excitement.
Occupying the former home of the Circuit Arcade Bar at 3117 W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s seamlessly intertwines the sports bar and card shop through a charming breezeway complete with a miniature putting green, enhancing the interactive and engaging appeal of the venue.
The trio of founders behind Parlay at Graybo’s each bring a unique background and fervor for the sports card industry to the table. Duke Dodson, with a history of card collecting dating back to the late 1980s, reignited his passion for the hobby in 2021, leveraging his extensive experience in business and finance to make a mark in the Richmond real estate scene. Gray “Graybo” Burnette, a history buff and former educator, found a new calling in the card collecting realm following his departure from the education sector amidst the challenges of the pandemic. Ryan Fitz, hailing from property management and tech spheres, injects a modern sensibility into the business, with a focus on customer integration to elevate the overall experience.
Driven by nostalgia for their own childhood card collecting days and a shared vision to craft a space that caters to both youngsters and adults seeking a sophisticated setting to celebrate sports and collectibles, the founders transformed the initial modest sports card shop into a sprawling, multifaceted establishment.
The enhanced venue boasts a substantial expansion, with the sports bar spanning 3,300 square feet and the card shop blooming into a 2,200 square foot space. Positioned in the heart of an entertainment-rich neighborhood, Parlay at Graybo’s is poised to draw a substantial crowd, benefitting from its strategic location.
One of the standout features offered by Parlay at Graybo’s is the opportunity for guests to engage in or spectate live card breaks right from the bar, infusing an exhilarating energy reminiscent of game day fervor. The founders also cultivate a tight-knit community of collectors through their eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, fostering a strong bond with both local and virtual collector circles.
Ryan Fitz highlighted the vibrant and expanding base of collectors in the Richmond area, spanning a spectrum from novices to seasoned experts and investors, making Parlay at Graybo’s an inclusive haven for all. The opportune acquisition of the property following the closure of the previous venue, Circuit, paved the way for this novel venture, expertly seized by Dodson to bring his vision to life.
The pioneering concept of merging a sports bar with a card shop at Parlay at Graybo’s promises a distinctive and dynamic atmosphere, appealing to sports enthusiasts and card collectors alike, creating a haven where fans can immerse themselves in an unparalleled experience that transcends the ordinary.
