Like many cities across the U.S., pickleball is taking hold in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Growth is being driven by entrepreneurs and pickleball enthusiasts such as Mitch Dunn, a former media and advertising executive turned pickleball business owner. Co-owner of The Pickle Lodge, Dunn and his partners are transforming the local pickleball scene with their innovative model.
Dunn’s journey into the world of pickleball began somewhat unexpectedly. “I had a coworker who would talk about pickleball non-stop, and like many, I thought he was crazy because I had never heard of the sport,” he recalled. His curiosity piqued during a vacation in northern Michigan in 2017, where he first played pickleball at a friend’s home. The experience was transformative, and by the next year, Dunn was hooked, setting the stage for his deep dive into the sport.
Recognizing a lack of organized pickleball activity in Cincinnati, Dunn founded the Cincinnati Pickleball Club in 2019. “There was no club, no tournaments of any scale, no leagues,” said Dunn. “So I started the club as a nonprofit, all-volunteer community club.” This venture quickly grew, consuming more of his time than his primary job.
The creation of The Pickle Lodge was born from a partnership with a like-minded business associate who initially intended to add pickleball to his own business. Together, they envisioned a hybrid model combining high-level pickleball play with a vibrant entertainment scene. This model was especially appealing given Cincinnati’s humid and warm summer weather, with Dunn pointing out that during this season “playing indoors becomes really attractive.”
The Pickle Lodge’s innovative space does not just offer excellent play areas but also integrates a social aspect crucial for community building. “We focused a lot on lighting, surface, individual fenced courts and music — things I thought made pickleball really fun,” said Dunn.
The facility’s popularity has led to the recent addition of six outdoor courts, designed to complement the existing indoor offering and amenities that promote social gatherings, such as a bar and food and beverage.
Dunn’s reflections on his venture reveal key insights. He acknowledges that everything in business takes longer than expected, a valuable lesson in patience and managing expectations. Moreover, he highlights the community’s willingness to invest in quality experiences. “People will pay for a good product, and they embrace instruction and pickleball education,” he said.
Looking ahead, Dunn is optimistic about expanding his successful model. “We’re not satisfied with one; we’re in the throes of looking for other locations,” he said.
Dunn and his team’s efforts have not only promoted pickleball, but also facilitated a smooth transition for many in Cincinnati from tennis to this rising sport. Ultimately, The Pickle Lodge exemplifies how passion and innovative thinking can transform a simple idea into a community cornerstone.
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.
