By Jen Hirthe
Correspondent
ASHWAUBENON – A new entertainment venue on the outskirts of the hustle and bustle of Oneida Street in Ashwaubenon offers guests more than your average watering hole.
“We really wanted to focus on family when creating Lumberjack Johnny’s,” owner David Oshefsky said. “The venue, (located at 1017 Waube Ln. in Ashwaubenon) was named after our grandpa John. He was a big part of our lives and always loved ‘the up north.’ He sadly passed away in 2011, and we miss him dearly.”
Oshefsky and his wife, Necole, took that “up north” feel and ran with it, adding axe throwing, pinball and a bar.
“The interior of the venue is Wisconsin-themed with ‘cabin elements’ for (grandpa’s) love of visiting the cabin with his family and hunting with all of his brothers, cousins, and many friends,” he said. “You may even find a photo or two of them at Lumberjack Johnny’s.”
Oshefsky said the idea of axe throwing fits in well with the venue’s overall theme, but there is more to it than just the axe that makes Johnny’s unique.
“We are focusing on building a family,” he said. “In most axe-throwing venues you need a reservation to book a lane, or you have a chance (of getting one) walking in,” he said. “Although we highly recommend booking ahead online to secure your lane, we have one lane that we reserve solely for walk-in customers and have a plethora of items that don’t need reservations, such as pinball, mini basketball, Putterball, Hole-E-Moly, Big Buck Hunter and games by the fireplace.”
Axe throwing lane rental is $25/hr per person and includes an axe coach and personal server.
Oshefsky said the axe coach will cover all the safety rules, some tips on mastering the sport and show customers some fun games to play, as well as grab any beverages – including beer, seltzers and cocktails – during your time.
From there, patrons start working on form as they take turns throwing on a shared lane.
Throwers must be 16 or older and close-toed shoes are required while axe throwing.
Oshefsky said Johnny’s pinball lounge is stocked with seven different rotating pinballs, Buck Hunter and other game options.
He said Lumberjack Johnny’s is looking at adding axe throwing leagues and pinball leagues soon, with a 10-12 week cornhole league beginning June 4.
Oshefsky said they do allow carry-ins on food.
Lumberjack Johnny’s can be rented out for private parties and events.
The atmosphere
Oshefsky said the ambience of Lumberjack Johnny’s is comfortable and gives customers a feeling of home – complete with Knuckles, a talking moose mounted above the fireplace.
“He randomly interacts with guests when they walk in, get a bullseye, get excited, etc.” he said. “His name is Knuckles the Moose. He can be a little sassy at times.”
Splashes of black and red checkers, indoor trees, lanterns, a fireplace, comfortable seating, cow print furniture, horns on the wall – the “up north” is sprinkled throughout the establishment.
Lumberjack Johnny’s is located at 1017 Waube Lane in Ashwaubenon.
For more information, visit lumberjackjohnnys.com.