What The Pickle Lodge does

The Pickle Lodge is a Cincinnati-based indoor pickleball facility operator founded in 2022, running three locations across the greater Cincinnati metro area — North Shore (West Chester), Lunken Landing (East End Cincinnati, partially open and expanding to 16 courts by early 2026), and the forthcoming Factory 52 (Norwood, opening June 1, 2026). The company's core offering combines indoor and outdoor pickleball courts with capped tiered memberships (Friend, Fanatic, Founder), on-site food and beverage (Two Cities Pizza, Erne's Pickle Bar with 18 craft beers on tap; Rivets Bar at Factory 52), professional instruction through the Ohio Pickleball Academy, structured league play, and event hosting for celebrations and corporate team building. The Pickle Lodge bills itself as "Cincinnati's Largest Pickleball Facility" and operates 364 days per year with extended weekend hours.

The business monetizes across five revenue streams: hourly court rentals starting at $75/hour for up to 10 players, three-tier membership subscriptions with 12-month commitments (annual payment option delivers a 10% discount; capped enrollment per location preserves court availability), on-site F&B transactions, professional lesson revenue via the Ohio Pickleball Academy, and a sponsorship program that has signed 20+ named brand partners including Skechers, PEPSI, CINTAS, Selkirk, and Ruoff Mortgage. Customer segmentation is hybrid: long-tail individual players and families across skill levels (primary), corporate groups via a "Corporate Clash" team-building product line (primary), and celebration/party hosts using graduation, birthday, and private-event packages (primary). Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, anchored on league participation, open play, repeat corporate bookings, and on-site F&B as engagement multipliers.

The technology stack is non-proprietary and standard for the category: CourtReserve handles court reservations and membership management, PerfectVenue manages event inquiries, Wufoo powers internal forms (lesson requests, membership changes, employment, donations), and Klaviyo runs email communications. A proprietary The Pickle Lodge iOS app serves as the membership and engagement touchpoint but is a thin client over the underlying SaaS layer. The company is privately held with undisclosed ownership, raised $3,000,000 in a December 2022 funding round from undeclared investors, and operates as a single-entity business across its Cincinnati-area footprint.

Name

The Pickle Lodge

Legal name

The Pickle Lodge

Website

https://thepicklelodge.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Pickle Lodge is a Cincinnati-area indoor pickleball facility operator running three locations across the metro with capped tiered memberships, on-site food and beverage, professional instruction through the Ohio Pickleball Academy, and event hosting for individuals, families, and corporate groups.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pickleball Facility / Recreation Services

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Gaming Café/Bar Hybrid Venues (Food & Beverage + Competitive Play) (MPAFALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pickleball Equipment & Accessories Retail (CRAMAFAB), Brewpubs & Taprooms (On-site Beer Service) (THAFALAA)

Keywords

• Indoor pickleball facility
• Pickleball court rental
• Pickleball lessons and clinics
• League and tournament play
• Private event hosting

Headquarters

HQ city

West Chester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Court Reservations & Day Play: Non-members and members pay for court time. Non-members are always welcome; court reservations start at $75/hour for up to 10 players per court. Members receive free or discounted court access depending on tier.
2. Membership Subscriptions: Three-tier membership program (Friend, Fanatic, Founder) with 12-month commitments available monthly or annually. Annual upfront payment provides a 10% discount. Members unlock progressively earlier booking windows (7, 14, or 21 days), free open play, and guest weekend perks.
3. Food & Beverage — Two Cities Pizza: On-site pizza restaurant serving New York and Chicago-style pizzas, legendary fries, wings, salads, and Graeter's Ice Cream. Open Tuesday–Sunday with extended hours on weekends. Closed Mondays (except for groups of 75+). Catering available for events.
4. Erne's Pickle Bar: Full-service bar inside The Pickle Lodge open the same hours as the facility. Offers 18 craft beers on tap, specialty cocktails, canned beers, seltzers, wine, and non-alcoholic options. Hosts events including trivia, karaoke, SINGO, and live music.
5. Private & Group Lessons: Ohio Pickleball Academy instructors offer private lessons, small group lessons, and group clinics at both North Shore and Lunken Landing locations. Lesson requests are submitted via Wufoo form and bookings managed through CourtReserve.
6. Event Hosting & Private Party Packages: Graduation, birthday, corporate, and private pickleball party packages. Indoor package (The Tassel Turner) accommodates up to 100 guests for 3 hours; outdoor Beachside Blowout package accommodates up to 200 guests. Add-ons include drink packages, group instruction, and tournament facilitation.
7. Sponsorships: League sponsorships and court sponsorships provide brand visibility with thousands of weekly players. Sponsors receive naming rights, net branding, app placement, and integration into the Lodge community.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Pickle Lodge operates indoor pickleball facilities across the Cincinnati area, offering court reservations for open play, recurring memberships (Play+), private lessons, clinics, leagues, and tournaments. Venues also host private events such as corporate outings, birthdays, and celebrations, with on-site food from Two Cities Pizza and drinks from Erne's Pickle Bar providing an integrated food-and-beverage experience.

Product overview

The Pickle Lodge is a pickleball facility operator and lifestyle brand offering court access, professional instruction, food and beverage services, and event hosting across three Cincinnati-area locations. The core product centers on indoor and outdoor pickleball courts with membership programs (Friend, Fanatic, Founder tiers) providing court reservations, open play, and league access. The Ohio Pickleball Academy delivers instruction via certified instructors offering private and group lessons. On-site food and beverage offerings include Two Cities Pizza (North Shore), Erne's Pickle Bar, and Rivets Bar (Factory 52). Event services encompass private parties, corporate team building (Corporate Clash), and graduation packages. The company operates three facilities: North Shore (West Chester), Lunken Landing (East End), and Factory 52 (Norwood, opening June 2026). Sponsorship programs provide brand visibility through court and league naming rights.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ohio Pickleball Academy: A certified instructor program at The Pickle Lodge offering private lessons, group clinics, and pro-level training for players of all skill levels.

Products and services

• Open Play / Court Reservations Hourly indoor pickleball court rentals available at The Pickle Lodge venues (North Shore, Lunken Landing, and the forthcoming Factory 52 location), targeting individual players of all skill levels.
• Play+ Membership Recurring membership program that provides regular, discounted indoor pickleball court access and related perks to members across The Pickle Lodge venues.
• Private Lessons and Clinics Individual and small-group pickleball instruction and clinics led by coaches, including the certified coaching program delivered through the Ohio Pickleball Academy sub-brand.
• Leagues Organized, recurring pickleball league play at The Pickle Lodge facilities, providing structured competitive matchups for members and walk-in players.
• Tournaments Scheduled pickleball tournaments hosted at The Pickle Lodge venues, including corporate-format tournaments tied to private event bookings.
• Ohio Pickleball Academy Sub-brand of The Pickle Lodge dedicated to pickleball player development, offering certified coaching and structured instructional pathways for serious players.
• Private Event Hosting End-to-end private event booking at The Pickle Lodge for corporate outings, corporate tournaments, birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette events, holiday parties, family reunions, and similar group occasions, bundled with food and beverage.
• Two Cities Pizza (Food Service) On-site food service offering from Two Cities Pizza, available to players and event guests at The Pickle Lodge venues.
• Erne's Pickle Bar (Beverage Service) On-site pickle-themed bar (Erne's Pickle Bar) offering beverages to players and event guests at The Pickle Lodge venues.

Quantifiable outcome

• Thousands of players engage with The Pickle Lodge every week for open play, leagues, clinics, tournaments, and events
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• SkechersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational footwear brand sponsoring The Pickle Lodge, gaining court and facility branding visibility with thousands of weekly players. Skechers is one of several major national brands (alongside PEPSI and CINTAS) investing in pickleball sponsorship at the Lodge.
• PEPSIminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational beverage brand sponsoring The Pickle Lodge, gaining brand visibility at the facility and during events. One of several major consumer brands recognizing pickleball's value for brand engagement.
• CINTASminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate uniform and facility services company sponsoring The Pickle Lodge. Gains branding on courts and in the facility app, reaching the Lodge's weekly player audience.
• SelkirkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPickleball equipment brand (paddles) sponsoring The Pickle Lodge. As a category-specific brand, Selkirk has deep integration with the pickleball community and provides equipment-related partnership value.
• Ruoff MortgageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional mortgage lender sponsoring The Pickle Lodge, gaining community brand visibility and event integration with the Lodge's engaged local player base.
• Third Eye BrewingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal craft brewery featured prominently at Erne's Pickle Bar with 18 beers on tap, including selections from Third Eye Brewing. The partnership creates a local craft beer destination within the Lodge, reinforcing community ties.
• Best Day BrewingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal brewery partner featured at Erne's Pickle Bar. Strengthens the Lodge's local craft beverage offering and community integration.
• StretchLabminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFlexibility and stretch therapy franchise sponsoring The Pickle Lodge. Complements the athletic user base with recovery and flexibility services messaging, reaching active pickleball players.
• ACES Pickleball (at Factory 52)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Pickle Lodge is taking over operations of ACES Pickleball at Factory 52, bringing its proven model for programming, membership, and experience to the new location. ACES will continue operating normally until the June 1, 2026 transition. Current ACES members will be invited to join The Pickle Lodge with the same membership structure.
• Ohio Pickleball AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Ohio Pickleball Academy (OPA) operates as the instructional arm of The Pickle Lodge, providing certified instructors for private lessons, small group lessons, and group clinics. OPA instructors are prominently featured on the website with individual profile pages. The academy is presented as a distinct branded entity housed within The Pickle Lodge.
• Two Cities PizzacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn-site pizza restaurant at North Shore serving New York and Chicago-style pizzas, fries, wings, salads, and Graeter's Ice Cream. Closed Mondays (except for groups of 75+). Catering available for events. Two Cities is a separate business located inside The Pickle Lodge, providing food as an integrated amenity.
• Taglio Pizzeria (at Lunken Landing)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPizza partner opening at Lunken Landing in July 2026, complementing the full-service bar (Sky Galley) at that location. Similar model to Two Cities Pizza at North Shore.
• Sky Galley (at Lunken Landing)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFull-service bar operating at Lunken Landing, mirroring the Erne's Pickle Bar concept at North Shore. Opening alongside the 16-court facility in 2026.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Chicken N Pickle: Indoor pickleball facility chain combining multiple courts with a full-service restaurant and bar; operates across multiple US metros with the same food/beverage + competitive play venue model that defines The Pickle Lodge.
• The Picklr: Indoor pickleball club franchise scaling rapidly across the U.S.; comparable multi-court, membership-driven facility operator targeting the same recreational pickleball consumer and partnering with national sponsors.
• Pickleball Kingdom: Indoor pickleball facility operator expanding across the U.S. with a dedicated courts-only club model; shares TPL's multi-site, membership-prioritized unit economics but without the integrated restaurant/bar F&B layer.
• Smash Park: Indoor/outdoor entertainment venue operator featuring pickleball, ping pong, and other games with full bar and food service; the multi-activity + F&B venue economics closely parallel The Pickle Lodge's blended court/restaurant/bar P&L.

Emerging players

• Puttery: Indoor social entertainment concept pairing putt-putt courses with a full bar and chef-driven F&B; closely parallels the Pickle Lodge's 'competitive activity + restaurant + bar' venue format, but in golf rather than pickleball.

Broad incumbents

• Life Time Group Holdings (Life Time Fitness): Premium fitness club operator that has added pickleball courts as a focal programming amenity; relevant for facility economics, tiered member benefits, and instructional/lesson revenue structures overlapping with TPL's offerings.
• Topgolf: Largest golf-focused entertainment operator with a venue model built on competitive play plus full F&B; same hybrid-venue economics as TPL but at significantly larger scale, broader geographic reach, and with a publicly-traded parent.
• Dave & Buster's: Large-format eatertainment operator combining amusement activities with full bar/restaurant service; comparable for multi-revenue-stream venue economics, group bookings, and corporate event programming.
• Bowlero Corporation (Lucky Strike): Largest bowling-centered entertainment operator with F&B and event-driven revenue; relevant analog for entertainment-venue unit economics, group-booking behavior, and event programming at scale.

Others

• Invited (formerly ClubCorp): Membership-based sports and country club operator with tiered dues, member programming, and amenity-based retention; structurally relevant for tiered membership design and value-of-membership mechanics, though serving private clubs rather than pickleball venues.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/thepicklelodge
• Instagraminstagram.com/thepicklelodge
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-pickle-lodge

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Pickle Lodge