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Chicken N Pickle Pauses Expansion Plans Amid Economic Challenges

Chicken N Pickle's innovative venue combines sports and dining experiences.

Chicken N Pickle

Chicken N Pickle is an entertainment and dining brand established in 2016, known for combining pickleball courts with casual dining experiences. The company initially planned to expand rapidly, aiming to open seven new locations by 2025 with a $10 million investment from around 30 investors, including NFL players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Currently operating 13 venues across the United States, with locations in North Kansas City, Overland Park, St. Charles, Allen, and Webster, Chicken N Pickle continues to focus on community engagement and innovative entertainment offerings. Recent developments include the opening of its 13th venue in Thornton, Colorado, which features multiple pickleball courts, a chef-driven restaurant, and event spaces, emphasizing flexible growth and strategic partnerships within the hospitality sector.

News Summary

Chicken N Pickle, the popular entertainment and dining brand, has announced a temporary halt on new location construction due to economic uncertainties and rising costs. Initially planning to open seven venues by 2025, the company is revisiting its strategy. Despite this pause, it continues to operate 13 locations, with a new venue set to open in Thornton, Colorado, featuring unique offerings like a breakfast menu. The brand emphasizes community engagement and plans for strategic partnerships in the hospitality sector.

Kansas City – Chicken N Pickle, a fast-growing entertainment and dining brand established in 2016, has announced a halt on the construction of new locations for the remainder of 2023. This decision comes as the company navigates economic uncertainties and rising construction costs that are impacting its planned expansion strategy.

The brand, known for its combination of pickleball courts and casual dining, initially aimed to open seven new locations by 2025. This ambitious plan was supported by a significant investment of $10 million sourced from approximately 30 investors, including prominent NFL players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. However, the ambitious growth strategy is now on hold, pending a review of the company’s approach amidst the current economic climate.

Two locations that were previously announced for Omaha, Indianapolis, and Parker, Colorado, have yet to materialize. Despite this pause, Chicken N Pickle currently operates 13 venues across the country, with successful outlets in areas such as North Kansas City, Overland Park, St. Charles, Allen, and Webster. The company is preparing to open its 13th location in Thornton, Colorado, later this month, which aims to enhance the local entertainment landscape.

The Thornton venue, which encompasses over 45,000 square feet, will feature eight professional-grade pickleball courts alongside a chef-driven restaurant and multiple gathering areas. This location includes six indoor courts and two covered outdoor courts, aiming to offer a comprehensive pickleball experience. In addition to sports, patrons can enjoy lawn games, rooftop seating, and three event spaces, making it a versatile destination for various activities.

As part of its new direction, Chicken N Pickle plans to shift its focus towards acquiring other hospitality or entertainment concepts and fostering partnerships with municipalities. This strategy is reminiscent of its previous engagements, such as its collaboration with the city of Henderson, Nevada, which assisted in the development of outdoor courts for one of its locations. Leadership within the company emphasizes that future growth will prioritize flexibility and smart, purposeful development over mere expansion.

Adding to the uniqueness of the Thornton opening, the location will introduce a breakfast menu, a new offering not available at all Chicken N Pickle sites, aiming to diversify its dining options and attract a broader customer base.

Since its inception, Chicken N Pickle has been committed to community engagement, having contributed over $5 million to local nonprofits. Each site employs a community impact coordinator to enhance positive interactions within the local community, reflecting the brand’s dedication to supporting local causes.

The grand opening of the Thornton location is scheduled for June 24, featuring themed events and initiatives designed to welcome the community. As the brand assesses its future steps, the focus will remain on building strong community relationships and exploring strategic partnerships within the entertainment and hospitality sectors.