From Niche Concept to National Brand

Chicken N Pickle, the indoor-outdoor pickleball venue and restaurant concept, is marking its 10-year anniversary this summer with 13 locations nationwide and a track record of deep community engagement that has become central to its brand identity.

Founded in 2016 in North Kansas City, the concept predates pickleball's current mainstream surge. Founder Dave Johnson recognized the sport's unique ability to bring together players of different ages and skill levels—a vision that extended beyond the court into a broader hospitality model.

"When we started Chicken N Pickle, we weren't just building a restaurant or a sports venue," Johnson said. "We wanted to create a place where people could genuinely connect with one another. In a world that was becoming increasingly digital, we believed there was tremendous value in creating spaces that brought people together face-to-face. Ten years later, that's still what matters most."

Evolution Beyond the Court

While pickleball remains central to the brand's identity, Chicken N Pickle has expanded significantly beyond its original concept. The company now operates chef-driven dining, craft cocktails, corporate and social events, community programming, adaptive pickleball initiatives, and seasonal wellness experiences.

The brand has also attracted high-profile investors and supporters, including Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, as well as professional tennis player Jack Sock.

Kelli Alldredge, president of Chicken N Pickle, noted the shift in guest composition over the decade. "People associate us with pickleball, and we're proud of that," Alldredge said. "But what we've really built is a hospitality company centered on human connection. Whether someone comes for dinner, a fundraiser, a corporate event, a family celebration or a pickleball match, our goal is the same: create memorable experiences that bring people together."

The company now welcomes millions of guests annually and employs team members across four generations, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers.

Community-First Model

Chicken N Pickle's "Our Hearts Are Local" philosophy has defined its growth strategy. Over the past decade, the company has contributed more than $6.5 million to local causes, supported thousands of nonprofit organizations, and hosted thousands of community fundraisers.

"Growth has never been our only goal," Alldredge said. "We've always believed that if we take care of our neighbors, our communities and our team members, the business will follow. That's why every Chicken N Pickle location is designed to reflect the character of its city and serve as a true community asset."

Looking Forward

Company leaders say future expansion will remain guided by the same principles that inspired the original concept.

"The next chapter is about thoughtful growth, deeper community partnerships and continuing to innovate the guest experience," Alldredge said. "But no matter how much we grow, we never want to lose sight of what got us here. Our purpose remains the same today as it was 10 years ago: creating meaningful human connection through great hospitality, playful experiences and community engagement."

Johnson added: "At the end of the day, I hope people say Chicken N Pickle helped bring people together. If we've created joy, connection and a positive impact in the communities we serve, then we've accomplished exactly what we set out to do."

Why It Matters

As experiential dining and entertainment venues evolve, Chicken N Pickle's decade-long emphasis on community integration and non-core revenue streams (events, fundraisers, corporate bookings) offers operators a template for building venues that transcend single-category traffic drivers. The brand's success in monetizing social connection before pickleball became mainstream suggests that adaptable, community-anchored concepts can sustain growth even as market trends shift.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors