Made In Chicago: Chitown Custom Cornholes
(CBS) -- Ever played a game of bags? The cornhole game actually originated in the Midwest.
"The game started outside Cincinnati, 20-25 years ago," said Tom Maliszewski, owner and operator of Chitown Custom Cornhole.
The two board, eight bag game is popular in backyards and tailgate parties across the country.
"Now people all over the country are playing the game. ESPN even hosts the National Cornhole Association Tournament each year," said Maliszewski.
Eight years ago, Maliszewski realized that growing popularity and started his own company.
"We do a lot of stadium designs, we've done pretty much every team in MLB, we've done a few NHL, we do a lot NCAA boards," he said.
In an 800 square feet space in an industrial building in Humboldt Park, his three person staff builds and designs hundreds of sets a year.
Maliszewski says there's a science to designing the perfect cornhole set.
"Every cornhole set if it's done right, has a 15 degree down plane from the back to the front," he said. "The box design, the physics of this design allows for less bounce and a smooth, less bouncy surface so when you're playing on it, it's a much better design to play with," he said.
He says their signature is their drink holders, but they offer other accessories as well.
"We have one with lights, which is fun at night so you can see the hole, wine drink holders, we can also do an abacus, we can add handles to the sides of the boards, we can do a hidden bag storage," said Maliszewski. "We have a works package that combines either four or five of the extra features."
The most popular designs are sports logos and the Chicago flag that comes with the skyline on the side but Maliszewski says every once in a while, he'll get some unusual requests.
"Pictures of people's children, family crests, family pictures, people's dogs... I've had some requests for pornographic stuff but it never worked out but if someone's willing to place an order, we'll oblige," he said. "We do a three dimensional mock of what they want if they send in a picture."
Maliszewski says his operation is a small one for now, but the game is growing and so, he hopes, will his business.
"We came in at the right time," he said. "The game, the sport is growing and we are already doing business on the West Coast. I want to expand this business but want a bigger facility first. I see that happening soon."
Cornhole sets start at $140. For more information, visit chitowncornhole.com.