Hook & Irons Golf and Social Lounge

Founded by two firefighters, Hook & Irons will be a golf simulator and lounge providing great experiences in a friendly, relaxed environment. Golfer or not, Hook & Irons will be a destination for friend groups, corporate outings, date nights, and parties with a welcoming bar and gastropub program and multiple sporting experiences to choose from.

Fred Ayars
Co-founder
Fred and John have been friends since childhood, and have an extensive history in entertainment and event coordination. We’ve been mobile disc-jockeys for 25 years, as were our fathers together before us. We’ve worked in bar/restaurants in the area as DJs and bar staff.

Fred has been a volunteer firefighter in Salem City since 1990, and has been the Fire Chief since 2004. He manages a volunteer staff of 56 personnel. His most recent employment was with PSEG Nuclear Generating Station in Salem NJ, and was a Nuclear Fire Protection Supervisor managing a staff of 25. Married to Karen, with children ages 14 and 16.

Fred and John will be full time owner/operators with full management & oversight responsibilities, and employ an initial staff of seven.


Johnny Maxwell III
Co-founder
Fred and John have been friends since childhood, and have an extensive history in entertainment and event coordination. We’ve been mobile disc-jockeys for 25 years, as were our fathers together before us. We’ve worked in bar/restaurants in the area as DJs and bar staff.

Johnny has been a volunteer firefighter since 2015. His most recent employment was also with PSEG Nuclear Generating Station, as a Security Operations Manager, managing a staff 250. Married to Alaura, with children ages 2 and 4.

Fred and John will be full time owner/operators with full management & oversight responsibilities, and employ an initial staff of seven.