Jeannie and Henry VanDyke may not have a background as axe-throwing experts, but they’ve managed to hit a bull’s-eye with DoCo Axe Co., the unique downtown Cambridge venue for the adventurous at heart.

With an empty upstairs space to fill above their popular Lil’ Bitta Bull BBQ eatery at 520 Race St., the couple brainstormed, seeking something along the lines of cutting-edge urban with distinctive local appeal. Being outdoorsy themselves (the VanDykes goose hunt together and Jeannie and the kids love the beach), they aimed to help folks find a way to stay active indoors when the weather wasn’t cooperating.

After the World Axe Throwing League came onto their radar, it felt like the right fit. The organization, founded in 2017 by axe-throwing enthusiast Mario Zelaya, has helped grow the sport’s popularity with standardized safety protocols. DatingNews.com recently cited the group as being instrumental in helping spark its growing popularity as a “family friendly, fun battleground” type of activity equally accessible to men and women of all ages, sizes and abilities.

After several years of building a barbecue business from scratch with no prior culinary background, the VanDykes have become old hands at trying new things. They were more than willing to wing it a bit with setting up an axe-throwing locale. Nevertheless, they first went on a fact-finding mission to learn what worked and what didn’t at similar establishments.

At the top of their list of takeaways was the desire to craft strong, solid fencing between lanes, a task right up Henry’s alley as an experienced fabricator with an eye for details. (He had custom crafted the couples’ food truck which served as a springboard for their first indoor restaurant on Sandy Hill Road and the successive move downtown.)

The name that came to mind also felt like a natural fit for the VanDykes, who were both born and raised here. The DoCo Axe Co. Facebook page posting on Oct. 1 explained its significance:

“DoCo - having to do with Dorchester County, pertaining to the area, lifestyle, and accent of the largest county in Maryland. The heart shaped land mass is surrounded on one side with water, while streams, creeks, and rivers run throughout. Like the county itself, the people who live here are big hearted, with saltwater veins through.”

Since opening Oct. 6, the couple has welcomed a cross section of eager participants willing to try their hand at an hour-long axe-throwing session in one of the five lanes offering 10 total targets. The Facebook page has become a proud gallery for those as eager to celebrate a first-ever shot as a bull’s-eye.

“There have been couples on dates and families, a diverse group of people,” Jeannie said, explaining that while some enjoy the competition, most are supportive, cheering each other on. After acing inspections, DoCo Axe was given the go-ahead to allow people to play starting at age 16. No word yet on the age of the oldest axe throwers to try their hand. But Jeannie’s parents, in their 80s, loved it, she reported. Maybe the biggest surprise came the first week, “when about five pregnant women walked in,” Henry said.

For those wondering about safety, the front and center posting of house rules at the venue and on the website indicates careful adherence to WATL protocols. The first rule, a reminder to “Listen to Your Coach!” refers to the WATL-trained certified coach assigned to each participant, who is “with you all the time,” Henry added.

A host and guide, the coach keeps track of safe play but also helps throwers learn two to three new techniques each time, such as aim and strategic game play.

“It’s amazing how much you can achieve in only 20 minutes, and super gratifying to see how far you can come in just that first hour,” Jeannie noted, stressing that it’s inherently beginner friendly.

There’s no minimum skill level needed to start, and the in-house hatchets provided are easy to handle and relatively lightweight. Participants can also supply their own, and DoCo Axe sells more competitive varieties, such as the larger and heavier WATL authorized Bad Axe, complete with nylon case and blade cover.

Scoring is like darts, with bull’s-eyes, kill shots and separate circles worth different points, though players can choose a variety of games, she added.

Though starting as a novice, Henry has quickly risen to bull’s-eye master. He’s also earned certification as an official WATL tournament judge, providing the go-ahead for DoCo Axe to set up leagues soon.

Proud of their county roots, the couple also partners with other area businesses, such as Choptank Oyster Company whose Choptank Sweets have helped expand the barbecue menu offerings. The wooden poplar targets were crafted by Chesapeake Wood, while their silver DoCo Axe Co. sign, based on the logo Henry designed, was created by local artisan fabricators C & K Lord.

Hour-long sessions, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, for $27.50 per person,  can be reserved online until 9 p.m. A special Walk-In Wednesday promotion features an hour’s alley time for $20 cash from 5 to 10 p.m.

Along with families, dates and walk-ins, DoCo Axe is currently hosting small groups, corporate events and celebrations of all kinds. A Christmas party package is also being offered.

For more information, call 443-225-5659, or visit www.docoaxe.com or www.facebook.com/docoaxe.