Crush Yard

About Crush Yard

Crush Yard is positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly expanding "eatertainment" market by capitalizing on the surging popularity of pickleball. Founded in 2022 by David Hack, the company launched its first location in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, in September 2023. Hack, serving as CEO, identified a market opportunity for a business model that merges sports and dining, inspired by the growth of similar entertainment concepts. The company has attracted high-profile investors, including NFL star Rob Gronkowski, musician Wyclef Jean, and Lyft co-founder John Zimmer.

The company's business model is centered on creating large-scale, community-focused venues that combine indoor pickleball courts with a full-service restaurant, bar, and other social activities like arcades and shuffleboard. Revenue is generated from multiple streams: court time rentals, equipment rentals, food and beverage sales, and event hosting for corporate and private parties. A significant component of its strategy is a membership program, which offers perks like early access to courts and exclusive events, creating a recurring revenue base. Technologically, Crush Yard utilizes a proprietary app for court reservations, food ordering, and payment, aiming for a seamless customer experience. In October 2025, the company partnered with Lucra to integrate real-money competitions, allowing guests to participate in tournaments and head-to-head matches for cash prizes, further enhancing engagement and creating a new revenue opportunity.

Each Crush Yard facility spans approximately 40,000 square feet and features a minimum of eight indoor, climate-controlled pickleball courts, allowing for year-round play. The company strategically renovates existing large-retail buildings, which significantly reduces the time and cost to become operational compared to new construction. Beyond casual play, the venues offer a full schedule of pickleball programming, including classes, clinics, leagues, and tournaments run by certified professionals. To further solidify its brand in the pickleball community, Crush Yard appointed Matt Manasse, a well-known professional pickleball coach to celebrities, as its Chief Brand Ambassador. Expansion is a core focus, with locations in Orlando and plans for Nashville and Huntsville, Alabama, as part of a broader goal to open over 50 locations nationwide. The company has secured significant funding for this growth, including a $2 million media-for-equity investment in September 2025 and a larger funding round of $22.9 million reported in May 2025.