Atlanta has welcomed a new addition to its entertainment landscape with the launch of The Painted Pickle, a novel “compeatery” concept that combines competition, dining and social interaction in a vibrant, upscale environment. According to Justin Amick, the president and CEO of Painted Hospitality, this new venue aims to redefine how Atlantans engage with the sport of pickleball while offering a plethora of entertainment and dining options.
Origin Story: A Unique Vision for Social Sports
The concept of The Painted Pickle sprouted from the success of Amick’s previous ventures, The Painted Pin and The Painted Duck, which brought boutique bowling and duckpin bowling back into the mainstream. “Now, we look forward to putting our stamp on pickleball — the fastest growing sport in the nation with Painted Pickle,” said Amick.
Key Differentiators: More Than Just Pickleball
Located on Atlanta’s bustling “Armour Ottley” Loop, nestled between Buckhead and Midtown, The Painted Pickle sets itself apart as an ambitious entertainment food and beverage-focused pickleball venue. Amick describes it as a high-end pickleball “compeatery” — a gaming and entertainment venue that offers much more than just pickleball. Patrons can enjoy a variety of activities including live music, an indoor putting green, ping pong, bucketball, subsoccer tables, cornhole, shuffleboard, darts and other games.
Moreover, the venue features expansive patios adjacent to the newly funded segment of the Atlanta Beltline, creating a seamless connection to one of the city’s premier outdoor spaces. The interior includes a pickleball ‘court’yard with eight boutique, hedge-lined courts; a pickleball cottage with a pro shop; and a wrap-around porch overlooking the center court.
“Painted Pickle has such a unique design, with a lot of attention to detail,” said Amick.
Design Inspiration
Inspiration for the venue’s design came from famous venues and events such as Augusta National Golf Club and Wimbledon, aiming to create a space with distinct areas each offering a unique experience. “The interior design and architecture details are unparalleled,” said Amick.
From the music stage visible upon entry to the garden-centric area and an oversized bar, the space invites guests to choose their own adventure.
The Benefits of a Comprehensive Experience
By integrating top-notch food, beverages and entertainment with sports, The Painted Pickle exemplifies Painted Hospitality’s ethos of creating unique, entertainment-driven venues.
“Excellent food and beverage and entertainment is at the cornerstone of all we do,” explained Amick. “You can come to Painted Pickle, and never even play pickleball, and still have a great night out.”
Future Aspirations and Lessons Learned
Looking forward, Amick’s vision for The Painted Pickle is to solidify its position as the leading food, beverage and entertainment-focused pickleball venue in the nation. The journey so far has included learning the dynamics of court bookings and integrating beginner series to optimize the visitor experience.
Ultimately, The Painted Pickle promises an enticing mix of activity and relaxation that caters to all tastes.
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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.
