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KANKAKEE — A popular and very much unique Kankakee-based business is up for sale, and current ownership is seeking someone with a eye for hitting the bullseye.
The Splitting Targets ownership group has announced it is seeking to move on from the “debt free and profitable” business that opened in mid-2021.
The three-person ownership group explained it simply wants to get out of the bar business.
They are seeking $150,000.
Splitting Targets is at 245 S. West Ave., and was completely redeveloped in early 2021. The 5,400-square-foot business site features eight axe-throwing lanes, indoor bags area, dart boards, pool table, nine wall-mounted televisions, a newly-created patio, three restrooms and video gaming.
The ownership group includes Derrick Barney, of Chebanse, and Cory and Marissa Alford, of Kankakee.
The property is immediately west of the Canadian National Railway tracks and is a neighbor of the Stefari West Avenue restaurant at 267 S. West Ave.
When the business was announced in 2021, more than a few eyebrows were raised. The concept of people throwing axes while perhaps consuming an alcoholic beverage or two might have seemed somewhat unusual, but there have been no reports of any wayward tosses.
In fact, the business has been quite popular.
The ownership group is clear they are not seeking to take any of the attractions out of the bar.
They have described Splitting Targets as a “turnkey business,” meaning everything is in place to allow for a smooth transition by the new ownership group.
“Splitting Targets has been an entertainment hub in Kankakee” for more than three years, the owners said.
Barney said when the business was started, it was anticipated to be a long-term investment, but his partners are seeking to relocate due to employment.
Barney said they came to an agreement recently to move on. He said in October, they were discussing the concept of hiring an operations manager in an effort to free up some time.
He said numerous people have inquired about the business, but the correct fit has not yet materialized.
He said they are going to be rather picky with whom they turn over the keys.
Asked what his biggest joy has been, Barney quickly responded: “Finding out how much I enjoy axe throwing.”
Barney said axe-throwing leagues have developed.
Like many other business experience, Barney said the most significant challenge deals with finding employees who can be counted upon.
He describes that situation as their “biggest headache.”
“It’s a bittersweet thing for us,” he said of seeking to sell.
He added while they would like to find the correct buyer sooner rather than later, they are not willing to rush the process.
Mayor Chris Curtis said the business has been well run. He added the city is in the midst of significant upgrades to South West Avenue making it much more pedestrian friendly and at the same time offering better parking access to business customers.
“We are putting money into this area,” he said.
He said an investment of likely in the $1 million range, and that will begin in 2026 or 2027. He said the investment will include areas for outdoor dining, traffic curbing and bump outs similar to what took place along sections of North and South Schuyler avenues in the downtown.
He said the string lighting is also a potential addition.
A former bar and restaurant owner himself, Curtis said he knows these businesses operations can be taxing.
“I think this will be an attractive and lucrative business for someone,” he said.
Curtis recalled when the business was announced. So many people could not imagine axe throwing. He said axe throwing has only gained in popularity across the country.