When rain canceled a pickleball game in August two years ago, three friends poured a glass of wine and sketched logos on napkins. What began as a lighthearted idea soon grew into a serious plan, with a pickleball pro later joining the team. Today, that spark has become Hot Shots Pickleball Club (Hot Shots PBC), a 28,000-square-foot indoor venue in Canton, Ohio, founded by RJ Vassas, Kim Waikem, Lisa Beaufait and Patty Paschke.
Hot Shots PBC features nine indoor courts, including a championship court, as well as mezzanine lounges, a pro shop and an event center that can host up to 120 people. The founders even created a “Court Concierge” role, a staff member stationed near the courts to guide players, book lessons and ensure smooth transitions between matches.
“We are a sophisticated social scene for pickleball and community connection,” said co-founder Paschke. “We did a lot of research throughout the country, and we just kind of took all our favorite pieces from these other places and created something that we wanted as players.”
That research included visits to Crush Yard in Charleston, Electric Pickle in Phoenix, and Chicken N Pickle, among others. Hot Shots combined those best practices with their own local flair, including a 16-by-16-foot pop art wall celebrating pickleball slang like “Nasty Nelson” and “Body Bag.”
From day one, the founders prioritized technology integration. Members can book courts through the CourtReserve app, order food and drinks via GoTab, and even pour their own beer from a 12-tap PourMyBeer wall by scanning a QR code. Shopify powers the pro shop, which carries brands like JOOLA, Selkirk and Gamma.
The tech-forward approach was a deliberate choice. “This technology was a commitment,” said co-founder Lisa Beaufait. “It’s a learning curve… but we used that time to get all our systems aligned as possible. So it is an investment in time as well as money and resources.”
Beyond the courts, Crushers Taps, Kitchen & Bar anchors the social side of the club. The space offers elevated food and craft beverages, including the signature “Hot Shots Zesty Pickle Beer.”
“From the beginning, our vision was to blend high-energy pickleball with social connection and smart tech,” said Beaufait.
“Thanks to PourMyBeer, CourtReserve and GoTab, we’re not just offering great courts and great beer, we’re offering an elevated player experience,” added Paschke.
The founders emphasized that the road to opening was not fast or easy. They spent two years searching for the right facility and resisted the temptation to settle.
“We were so tempted because [a site] was available, but the ceiling height wasn’t quite right,” recalled Beaufait. “We actually took nets and balls and played in there, and we walked away. We’re grateful we stuck to our guns in really looking for the perfect place.”
Another lesson: don’t overlook the human element. While some of the founders were initially hesitant to step into the spotlight, they learned that community members wanted to connect with the people behind the brand.
“People really do want to know us,” said Paschke. “It’s about connection.”
Hot Shots PBC is designed as a prototype for future growth. In addition to the courts and social spaces, the club features a “Fit to Hit” warm-up area with foam rollers, bands and instructional videos to help players prevent injuries.
“We want to make sure that people have all the resources for the longevity of their health and in the sport,” said Beaufait.
Looking back, the co-founders say they are most grateful for the journey itself. “I feel grateful to be working with my friends and doing something I love,” said Beaufait. “I’m enjoying the journey, and it’s bringing out the best in me. We’re here for the long run.”
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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.
