SIEGE AXE LOUNGE'S HIGH-TECH EDGE
January 7, 2026 by Daniel Castaneda
BY: CATHLENA SPENCER
When you think of axe throwing, you might picture wooden targets and painted bullseyes. Siege Axe Lounge, the 2nd Place winner in the Revenue-Generating category of Grow Ada’s Pitch Competition, has completely redefined the experience for Ada. Owner Chris Crane did not just capitalize on a fun trend, he upgraded it, using interactive simulator technology to turn simple target practice into a diverse gaming experience. This technological leap allows the lounge to offer more than the traditional single game, providing customers with a vast variety of ever-changing challenges, ensuring every visit is fresh, fun, and competitive.
GROW ADA: As Grow Ada’s 2nd Place Pitch Competition winner, the judges validated you as a successful revenue-generating business. What do you feel is the biggest factor driving your success?
CHRIS CRANE: There are not a lot of activities for people to do in Ada, so us having a variety of options certainly helps provide something for everyone. There are limited team bonding options here, so our unique offerings make us stand out and that drives a lot of private venue rental bookings.
GROW ADA: You didn’t just open a traditional axe lounge; you integrated simulator technology. Can you describe how these interactive simulators work?
CHRIS CRANE: We have “interactive” axe throwing. Traditional axe throwing uses paint on wood to make a target. We, however, went with computers and projectors. This allows us to use an iPad as a kiosk and allows our guest to pick from 14 different games. Our axe throwing isn’t geared towards enthusiasts; it’s geared towards people wanting to have fun. The physical targets themselves are notably different too. Instead of using regular dimensional lumber, we use end grain targets. Its more complex material makes for a superior experience for our guests, allowing the axes to stick easier.
We also have golf, racing, and shooting simulators, each working differently. Golf uses a Foresight Falcon sensor that detects the golf ball’s path, speed, and rotation to determine where it would land if it was on an actual course. The shooting simulator uses a SIRT training pistol that has an infrared laser in it. We have a special camera setup that determines where the user shot the screen. The racing simulator uses three main components to immerse the user. Golf and shooting are all about the outcome of an action; what happens after you pull the trigger, or hit a ball. Racing, however, is a continues environment, using a force feedback steering wheel, load cell pedals, and a full motion platform to keep the guest constantly immersed.
GROW ADA: So, you say you have 14 different axe games you can offer because of the simulators. How does having that variety change the experience for a group of friends who might spend an hour throwing axes?
CHRIS CRANE: The variety of games keeps the guest engaged and having fun for longer. Traditional axe throwing can get repetitive after a while. With our system though, it’s always changing. It’s gamified. Done with the traditional target? Time to diffuse a bomb. Then some tic-tac-toe, bowling, alien attack, and finish it off with some catchphrase (wheel of fortune). The variety of games allows different uses to get better at different games. Catchphrase, a favorite, combines throwing accuracy and theme (think 80s or Disney) knowledge. Maybe you aren’t the best thrower but you know your Oklahoma Sports, you get to be the best in the group just by figuring out the phrase before anyone else.
We also do karaoke and have tvs throughout the space. We’re in the process of expanding, which will add more pool tables, corn hole, food, arcade games, and a dance floor. This really makes us a “something for everyone” venue. Anyone can come and have fun. We’re family friendly, but with an adult vibe. This allows kids to be welcomed, but adults to not feel like they’re at a playground.
GROW ADA: What is the single best thing the Ada community can do to support the continued success of Siege?
CRIS CRANE: The best reaction I’ve ever gotten from someone when they walk into Siege is “This place doesn’t look like it should be in Ada!” It was a genuine, jaw dropped reaction when they walked in. Luckily for Ada, we are here. Support Siege by coming by or telling people about us! If you came to Siege and enjoyed it, tell someone. If you didn’t enjoy it, tell me so I can make it better. There is no better advertisement or marketing than people sharing their positive experience with others.
Siege Axe Lounge is more than an entertainment venue—it’s a case study in what intentional entrepreneurship looks like in Ada. By identifying gaps in local recreation and investing in technology that prioritizes variety, accessibility, and repeat engagement, Chris Crane built a business designed to succeed in a smaller market by thinking bigger. The response from customers speaks to both the quality of the concept and the opportunity that exists when entrepreneurs are willing to challenge assumptions about what can work here. As Siege continues to grow, it reinforces an important lesson: Ada’s entrepreneurial momentum is driven by founders who listen to their market, take calculated risks, and deliver experiences that raise expectations. Businesses like Siege Axe Lounge don’t just generate revenue—they help redefine what’s possible for local entrepreneurship in Ada.
Written by
Daniel Castaneda
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MEET THE STAFF
DANIEL CASTANEDA Daniel Castaneda came to Grow Ada, formerly known as the Ada Jobs Foundation, four years ago. He holds a master’s degree in Regional and City Planning from the