Creating a Community Hub: 23 Kitchens and the Rise of Pickleball in Lacey

23 Kitchens and the Rise of Pickleball in Lacey: Craig Millsap, a 1990 Rainier High School graduate, found himself in an unexpected business venture after a snowmobiling accident in 2020. What started as a simple injury led to him co-owning 23 Kitchens, a new indoor/outdoor entertainment venue in Lacey that combines pickleball, food, and community recreation.

A Snowmobiling Accident Leads to a Business Opportunity

In 2020, while snowmobiling with friends near Mount Rainier, Millsap suffered a cut to his shin that required stitches. He struggled to find a clinic to treat him, until he called a mutual friend, Joshua Carpenter, a dentist in Lacey, who offered to help. Their friendship grew from there, and during their outings, Carpenter introduced Millsap to pickleball. This conversation sparked an idea: What if they brought a similar concept to Lacey, combining pickleball and food, like the Chicken N Pickle venue in Wichita, Kansas? Three years later, they were awarded building permits, and 23 Kitchens was born.

What 23 Kitchens Offers: A Unique Entertainment Complex

23 Kitchens is a one-of-a-kind venue on the West Coast, designed to provide fun and entertainment for all ages. The 1.25-acre complex features 11 indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, a 3,000-square-foot restaurant, a rooftop bar, 23 kitchens, and an open-air patio. With a focus on pickleball, the complex caters to players of all ages and skill levels, from 7-year-olds to 85-year-olds. Millsap loves the community vibe that pickleball creates, where anyone can participate and have fun, no matter their age or experience.

“We wanted to create a space that felt like an extension of your own backyard,” . “Pickleball is really welcoming, and anyone can do it.” (Craig Millsap)

Millsap’s Background: From Teacher to Entrepreneur

Millsap’s career path has been anything but conventional. He went from playing basketball and football at Rainier High School to earning a math degree at Eastern Washington University. After graduating, he worked as a high school math teacher in Spokane before diving into the world of business. In 1997, he founded C&S Construction NW Inc., a concrete construction company that he still runs alongside 23 Kitchens. His experience with sports and teaching, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, made him well-suited to take on this new challenge.

Pickleball Passion: Millsap’s Love for the Sport

Millsap has been playing pickleball since the 1980s when he first picked it up as part of his physical education studies at Rainier High. Over the years, his love for the sport grew, and he played competitively around the world, including in Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Mexico. In 2022, Millsap was part of a team that won gold in the Washington State Senior Games in the 50-54 age category. Millsap enjoys giving back to his community by hosting pickleball clinics for Rainier students and providing equipment like paddles for local programs.

Challenges and Growth: Navigating the Business Side of 23 Kitchens

While Millsap and Carpenter have found success with 23 Kitchens, they are still learning the ropes of running the restaurant side of the business. Carpenter continues to manage his dental practice, while Millsap juggles his construction company. Despite the challenges, Millsap is excited about the potential of the venue to become a community hub where people can come together to play, eat, and relax.

“The pickleball side is going great,”. “The restaurant is still a bit of a mystery to us, but we’re learning.” (Craig Millsap)

Looking Ahead: The Future of 23 Kitchens

Located at 2440 Marvin Road NE in Lacey, 23 Kitchens is already making waves as a unique entertainment destination. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The pickleball courts are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the complex has become a popular spot for both locals and visitors. As Millsap and Carpenter continue to grow their business, they aim to create a welcoming environment that encourages people to enjoy the sport and make lasting memories.

“Pickleball is a life sport. It’s something that anyone can enjoy, and I want to make that experience available to everyone,” (Craig Millsap).

With a focus on community and recreation, 23 Kitchens is poised to be a staple in the Lacey area and a model for similar venues in the future.

News in Brief: 23 Kitchens and the Rise of Pickleball in Lacey