Dill Dinkers Pickleball has expanded its franchise network by adding its 16th regional developer, this time in Southern Maryland. Partners Bridget McLaughlin and Alicia deForest have committed to opening at least eight dedicated indoor pickleball facilities in the region.
McLaughlin, with two decades of experience in affordable housing and real estate development, will oversee daily operations. DeForest, an attorney with 25 years of experience in Washington D.C., will manage all legal matters for the expansion.
McLaughlin expressed enthusiasm about the franchise opportunity, saying, “After connecting with other franchise owners about the training and support and learning more about the business model, it became clear the Dill Dinkers team is invested and truly wants to make a big difference. It’s a win-win opportunity for franchisees and we value the community aspect of the sport and being able to provide a community for people of all demographics and skill levels to engage and build relationships.”
Dr. Ben Litalien, the chief development officer of Dill Dinkers, praised the new developers, stating, “They truly believe in the benefits a premier indoor pickleball court can offer the community in promoting mental wellness and an active lifestyle year-round. We are excited to support them as they build something special in Southern Maryland.”
Founded in 2022, Dill Dinkers is known for creating a fun, friendly environment where players of all ages and skill levels can play, socialize and improve their skills. Each facility features dedicated indoor courts, top-tier surfaces, event space, a ball machine, and a state-of-the-art reservation system by Court Reserve. The company offers court reservations, clinics, lessons, leagues, business advertising and court rentals for private events.
Dill Dinkers operates four locations in Maryland, with a new facility opening in Manassas soon. Since launching its franchise program last September, the brand has attracted developers across various states, leading to commitments for over 250 locations. By year’s end, Dill Dinkers aims to have 30 opened locations and over 500 committed locations nationwide.
Will Richards, the co-founder and CEO of Dill Dinkers, shared his vision, saying, “As a former Dominos multi-unit franchisee, it was crucial for us to build a strong network of support ahead of our franchising launch, and now with our 16 regional developers onboard, we are thrilled to welcome reputable operators like Bridget and Alicia who are just as passionate about spreading the joy of pickleball.”
The Dill Dinkers franchise offers regional territories and single units, featuring nine revenue streams, a robust operating system, a proprietary management platform, intensive training, and a turnkey marketing program. The brand also collaborates with industry pro Collin Johns and offers high-quality products through its partnership with JOOLA.
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With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
