The Pickle Pad is an indoor pickleball and entertainment experience featuring multiple courts, spectator seating, and open green spaces with social and lawn games. Each location is home to Crave Social Eatery, a chef-inspired restaurant offering both quick and full-service dining, where guests can enjoy fresh, flavorful meals designed for an active lifestyle—whether dining in the restaurant or courtside. With a curated selection of beer, wine, and drinks, Crave Social Eatery provides a fun, welcoming space to relax and socialize seven days a week. The Pickle Pad is part of Indoor Active Brands, which also owns Altitude Trampoline Park, one of the largest entertainment brands in the world.
Robert Morris serves as the Vice President of Development of Indoor Active Brands, the parent company of The Pickle Pad. Robert has many years of experience in the entertainment franchise space. Prior to joining Indoor Active Brands’ leadership team, he served in leadership for Andretti’s Indoor Karting & Games, Drive Shack, and Kings Dining & Entertainment.
Franchise Chatter (FC): The Pickle Pad has seen impressive success since its launch. What inspired you to create a social club centered around pickleball, and how did the team identify the demand for this concept?
Robert Morris (RM): The rise of pickleball has been undeniable—it’s the fastest-growing sport in America, but until now, there hasn’t been a dedicated space that combines premium courts with a high-end social experience. We saw an opportunity to bring something new to the market: a place where players of all skill levels can enjoy a first-class atmosphere, socialize, and build community. The demand was clear—pickleball players wanted more than just access to courts; they wanted a lifestyle brand that embraced the sport’s social and competitive nature.
FC: With plans to expand rapidly in 2025, what key factors are driving franchise growth, and what markets are you targeting first?
RM: Our rapid expansion in 2025 is driven by the growing demand for high-quality pickleball experiences and strong franchise interest, particularly in the Southeast, mid-Atlantic, and Southern regions. In Q3, we’ll open new locations in Myrtle Beach, SC, St. George, UT, and Newport News, VA, as part of our plan to scale to 10 to 15 new locations annually. With seven parks already secured in Virginia and South Carolina, we’re also targeting Texas, Georgia, New Mexico, and North Carolina for future growth, ensuring The Pickle Pad continues to meet the needs of passionate pickleball communities nationwide.
FC: The franchise model is designed to provide a “turnkey” solution for investors. Can you share what makes The Pickle Pad’s franchise opportunity unique compared to other sports or hospitality franchises?
RM: What sets us apart is our combination of sports, hospitality, and lifestyle branding. We’re not just offering courts; we’re creating an immersive experience with best-in-class facilities, private event spaces, and social memberships that generate recurring revenue. Our franchisees benefit from a proven model, comprehensive support, and a streamlined buildout process to get up and running quickly. With pickleball’s rapid growth, we offer an exciting opportunity in a space with huge market potential.
FC: Pickleball continues to surge in popularity. How does The Pickle Pad ensure it stays ahead of trends and continues to offer an engaging experience for members?
RM: We’re committed to innovation and staying ahead of industry trends. Whether it’s introducing cutting-edge court technology, curating exclusive tournaments and social events, or expanding our membership offerings, we constantly evolve to meet players’ needs. Our members appreciate the blend of competition and camaraderie, and we’ll continue enhancing their experience with new features and partnerships.
FC: Beyond offering premium courts and social spaces, The Pickle Pad emphasizes community and lifestyle. How do you see this approach benefiting franchisees in the long run?
RM: Community is at the heart of what we do. The Pickle Pad isn’t just a place to play—it’s a place where friendships are formed, business connections are made, and people come together over a shared passion. This strong sense of belonging translates into higher member retention, increased event bookings, and a vibrant atmosphere that keeps people engaged. For franchisees, that means a business model built on long-term customer loyalty and diverse revenue streams.
FC: For potential franchisees considering investing in The Pickle Pad, what qualities or backgrounds make for an ideal owner, and what level of support do you provide?
RM: We’re looking for franchise partners who are passionate about creating exceptional experiences. Whether they have a background in hospitality, fitness, or multi-unit franchising, what matters most is their ability to lead a team, foster a strong member community, and execute our brand vision. Our support system includes everything from site selection and design to marketing, operations, and ongoing training, ensuring our franchisees have everything they need to succeed.
FC: What’s next for The Pickle Pad beyond expansion? Are there any new innovations, partnerships, or experiences on the horizon that will further enhance the brand’s appeal?
RM: We have big plans for 2025 and beyond. In addition to growing our footprint, we’re exploring strategic partnerships, new technology integrations, and enhanced member benefits that will elevate the experience even further. From exclusive tournaments to premium hospitality offerings, we’re committed to making The Pickle Pad the gold standard for pickleball clubs nationwide.
