The Pickle Pad, an indoor pickleball franchise, has signed a seven-unit franchise deal to bring the concept to multiple locations along the East Coast, including Virginia and South Carolina. This deal marks a significant expansion for the brand, which recently opened its first location in Tallahassee, Florida.
The Pickle Pad is part of the Indoor Active Brands portfolio, which also includes Altitude Trampoline Park.
Following the “eatertainment” concept, The Pickle Pad features Crave Social Eatery, a chef-inspired restaurant, and over 30 gaming options including social and yard games. By combining pickleball courts with dining and additional entertainment options, venues can appeal to a wider audience and potentially increase revenue streams.
The seven-park deal is being led by franchisee Vikas Kapila, an avid pickleball player, entrepreneur and consultant.
“During the pandemic, I picked up pickleball and it quickly became my favorite hobby,” said Kapila, in a statement. “I was on the court six hours a day and saw a business opportunity that lied in this fast-growing sport. When I found The Pickle Pad, I knew I was ready to go all in because it combines two of my favorite things, pickleball and great food, as well as other social gaming options that provide a variety fun for everyone. This is the type of venue my family would have a blast at, and I can’t wait to introduce The Pickle Pad to my hometown of Richmond, Virginia, and beyond.”
The new locations will be in Richmond, Charlottesville, Roanoke, Virginia Beach and Newport News, Virginia; and Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, South Carolina.
“We are thrilled to kick off our ambitious growth phase with seven new locations in Virginia and South Carolina and look forward to more impactful expansion on the horizon,” said Mike Rotondo, the CEO of Indoor Active Brands, in a statement. “It is great to see such passionate trailblazers multiply the brand’s footprint. Vika’s interest in the sport and focus on expansion is a representation of the strength of this booming industry and the demand for innovative family entertainment and fitness venues.”
The Pickle Pad’s expansion serves as a testament to the growing demand for innovative, family-friendly venues that combine sports, dining and social activities.
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.
