Chicken N Pickle

About Chicken N Pickle

Chicken N Pickle is an entertainment-focused hospitality company that has capitalized on the surging popularity of pickleball. The company's business model centers on large-scale, indoor/outdoor complexes that combine pickleball courts with a chef-driven restaurant, sports bar, and other recreational activities. Revenue is generated from multiple streams, including food and beverage sales, court rental fees, and hosting private events such as corporate outings and fundraisers.

The concept was conceived by Dave Johnson, a real estate entrepreneur, after he was introduced to pickleball in 2015 and recognized the sport's communal energy. Johnson, a long-time figure in the Kansas City business scene, drew inspiration for the food concept from a favorite Caribbean wood-fired chicken restaurant. He partnered with veteran restaurateur Bill Crooks, who brought extensive experience in launching new restaurant concepts to the venture. The first Chicken N Pickle location opened in North Kansas City, Missouri, in 2016, transforming an old warehouse site. Despite initial skepticism, the format proved successful, welcoming over 700,000 visitors annually in its early years and sparking rapid expansion.

Each venue is designed to be a community hub, offering not just pickleball but also a variety of other yard games like cornhole and shuffleboard, live music, and event spaces. This multi-faceted approach attracts a broad clientele, from serious pickleball players to families and corporate groups looking for a social entertainment experience. The company emphasizes a local-first philosophy, sourcing from area farmers, featuring local craft beers, and actively engaging in community philanthropy through its foundation. A significant milestone was a $10 million investment in August 2023 from Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, underscoring the brand's high-profile appeal.