According to The Sun, Avid pickleball enthusiasts have something to look forward to, as a new concept restaurant dedicated to the rapidly growing sport is set to open soon. Customers will have the chance to enjoy delicious food and drinks while playing against friends and family.
Electric Pickle Launches in Tempe
Beginning in December, Arizona residents near Tempe, located about 18 miles east of downtown Phoenix, can visit Electric Pickle, according to Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN). The “eatertainment” concept, which centers around pickleball, is the brainchild of the Eureka! Restaurant Group, with financial backing from Knighthead Capital Management.
Electric Pickle in Tempe is the first of what the companies envision as a nationwide expansion, with additional locations planned throughout 2025 in California, Nevada, and Texas.
Exciting Features and Activities
At Electric Pickle, guests can enjoy pickleball on over 4.5 acres of courts while dining in a two-story restaurant. The venue will also offer other games, including bocce ball and ping pong, alongside pickleball.
Paul Frederick, founder and co-CEO of Eureka Restaurant Group and Electric Pickle, emphasized the focus on pickleball, stating, “I think pickleball’s explosive growth is just getting started… pickleball, combined with the culinary aspect, plus making our venues super fun and energetic have been packaged into Electric Pickle.”
Elevating the Experience
Electric Pickle isn’t the only pickleball-themed restaurant; others like Chicken N Pickle, Camp Pickle, and The Pickle Pad have emerged in recent years. However, Frederick asserts that Electric Pickle will elevate the experience with additional entertainment options, including DJs and live bands in the evenings.
The menu promises a diverse range of international offerings, featuring Mexican street tacos, Korean bowls, sushi rolls, Neapolitan pizzas, and classic American burgers.
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Innovative Technology
Electric Pickle will also incorporate AI gaming technology to enhance the experience at four of the nine pickleball courts at each location, alongside a golf simulator. The concept is reminiscent of Topgolf, which has similarly thrived in the “eatertainment” space.
Comparing Concepts
Topgolf operates with a model that includes multiple floors of hitting bays that offer a variety of games, making it accessible for both sports enthusiasts and newcomers. With over 95 locations across 35 states and 15 international spots, Topgolf has set a high bar for entertainment dining.
While the rise of sports-themed restaurants continues, many traditional brick-and-mortar locations are closing. For example, Denny’s recently announced it will shutter 150 underperforming restaurants, and Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy, leading to the closure of over 100 locations this summer.
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