About a year ago, BJ McKellar took a leap of faith toward a dream that began with a text message and a photo. Today, Boro the Hatchet, his axe-throwing business in downtown Statesboro, is more than just a hobby turned hustle — it’s a community favorite and an award-winning hangout spot.

Located at 19 East Vine St., the space is designed to feel more like a cozy lodge than a traditional rec room. This summer, Boro the Hatchet is celebrating its one-year anniversary, as well as its first-ever Readers’ Choice Awards: Best New Business and Best Place to Throw a Private Party.

“There were fantastic local businesses in both of those categories,” McKellar said. “Winning just gave us that mental boost to keep working hard and give each customer the best experience possible.”

The idea for the business took shape in late 2022, when McKellar — then working as a Georgia Southern University police officer — was shown a text that had been sent to his wife, Haley. The photo, sent by Haley’s best friend, showed a mobile axe-throwing trailer in another city, with a simple message: “I think BJ could make one of these.”

“I was like ‘Yeah, that’s pretty cool,’” he said. “I thought about it a bit more, and I was like, ‘That could be a good business to do on the side.’”

After finding the company to construct his first trailer, McKellar hit the road with his own axe-throwing trailer, setting up at local events and festivals. But even in those early days, he had his sights set on a permanent home, eager to plant roots at a brick-and-mortar location.

“My biggest fear was that if I didn’t go ahead and do it now, somebody else would,” he said.

As Bulloch County continued to grow, McKellar saw an opening — and with help from the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority and encouragement from other small business owners, he secured a space surrounded by some of the area’s favorite restaurants and shops.

“I absolutely cannot speak highly enough about my business neighbors,” he said. “They’ve been such a huge help during our first year. Choosing this location was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

Inside, Boro the Hatchet feels like part game night, part cabin getaway. It’s a laid-back space with pool tables, dartboards, arcade games and TVs — but the real standout is its cutting-edge technology. Instead of plain targets and standard bullseyes, players get an upgraded experience with a digital axe-throwing system that projects interactive games right onto the wood targets.

“We have at least 15 different games to choose from,” McKellar said. “Most people are pleasantly surprised by what our facility offers.”

That mix of entertainment and flexibility has made the space a hit for everything from date nights to corporate team-building events — and even a last-minute wedding reception in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

“I feel like we’ve met and made a lot of great contacts over the last year,” he said. “We’ve collaborated with Georgia Southern Athletics, local bars and restaurants, and have a lot more ideas in the works.”

While the shift hasn’t been without challenges — especially in those early months, when he was juggling construction, staffing and business operations while still working full-time as an officer — McKellar said he's finding a better rhythm these days. 

“I’m now running the business full-time,” he said. “It’s given me more time to spend with my little boy and have a better work-life balance.”

Looking ahead, he’s excited about what’s next. There are plans to start an axe-throwing league and continue improving the space, with the addition of a bar and a garage-style door to open up the venue when the weather’s nice.

But beyond all that, his main goal remains the same.

“I just want Boro the Hatchet to become a Statesboro staple — a must-stop destination for locals and visitors alike,” he said.