You buy it, you break it. That’s the concept behind 412 Rage Room.
Demand for the experience is so high, the Moorefields closed their original Ross Township facility and moved to a bigger space at 2146 Watson Street in Uptown. It opens this weekend. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Last month, Shawn and Ashley Moorefield launched the business to give people the opportunity to relieve stress in a controlled environment. Starting at $25, patrons can use a baseball bat or a sledgehammer to destroy everything from teacups, dishes and glass bottles to wooden chairs, computer monitors and flat-screen TVs.
“The pandemic has been frustrating,” Shawn Moorefield says. “Between homeschooling and not being able to go anywhere, I wished there was a place where I could break stuff. I looked online and there was nothing close by, so I decided to open one.”
Quarantine has pushed a lot of folks to their breaking point and rage rooms are popping up across the country to help ease the pain.
Parties of eight to 12 people can book a session by sending an email or Facebook message. Be sure to wear a long sleeve shirt, pants and closed-toed shoes — and stay out of the “smash zone” while someone’s doing demo. You have up to 45 minutes to shatter a crate full of odds and ends, but most “ragers” finish the job in 10.
All walks of life come through the door, including people on first dates, singles looking to blow off steam and families celebrating special occasions. Patrons are welcome to bring their own baubles to break, or even belongings such as a framed photo of an ex or an electronic device that’s obsolete.
The Moorefields find fragile things at thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales. They also accept donations but ask that you send a message before dropping off your junk.
Although their latest venture is a symphony of destruction, the Moorefields, along with their children, know a thing or two about promoting peace.
Ashley Moorefield runs Serenity Living Transitional Home, a nonprofit that provides social support and shelter to women between the ages of 18 and 23 who are at risk for homelessness.
Shawn Moorefield’s passion is The Pittsburgh Kings & Queens, a free sports and mentoring organization.
Son, Shawn Jr., 13, makes care packages and distributes them to homeless people. His sister, 9-year-old Serenity, is an artist who spreads joy through her paintings.
The family is glad to provide people an outlet for their emotions. “When people leave here,” Shawn Moorefield says, “they’re happy.”
