Pickleball Billy Brings Dill Dinkers to NJ: Dill Dinkers, a national indoor pickleball franchise, will open its first New Jersey location at Mount’s Corner shopping center on West Main Street. The franchise has signed a lease for a 25,000-square-foot space, previously occupied by Club Metro USA, which closed in February.
Franchisee Stephen Hafner plans to establish nine pickleball courts at the Freehold Township club, with hopes to open by late summer or early fall this year. He aims to bring a total of 20 clubs to Monmouth, Middlesex, and Union counties over the next decade.
Growing the Dill Dinkers Brand
Dill Dinkers currently operates 20 locations in 10 states, with another 380 sites in development. The company was founded by Will and Denise Richards, who began playing pickleball in 2021. Their first club opened in Columbia, Maryland, in November 2022, and they started offering franchises about 18 months ago.
Hafner switched from plans to enter the restaurant industry to pursue pickleball. He noted the impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant business. He met the Richards at a pickleball conference last May, which inspired his decision to join the franchise.
Community Involvement and Offerings
Customers at Dill Dinkers can choose between club memberships or pay-per-play options. The club will also offer clinics, individual and group lessons for all ages, and facilities for parties and events.
Hafner emphasized Dill Dinkers’ commitment to being part of the community. The new club will be located next to LIvoti’s Old World Market, alongside other popular businesses like Panera Bread, Dunkin’, and Walgreens.
Positive Impact on Local Economy
Eric Starker, CEO of Starker Commercial Realty, noted that Dill Dinkers’ arrival will benefit neighboring businesses and the community. Commercial real estate broker Chris Meranto represented Dill Dinkers in the lease negotiations.
What Lies Ahead for Dill Dinkers
As Dill Dinkers prepares to open its first New Jersey location, it signals the brand’s continued expansion and the growing popularity of pickleball. The new club is set to provide local residents with a place to enjoy the sport while fostering community connections.
News in Brief: Pickleball Billy Brings Dill Dinkers to NJ
Dill Dinkers will open its first New Jersey location at Mount’s Corner shopping center in Freehold Township. The 25,000-square-foot facility will feature nine pickleball courts and is expected to open by late summer. The franchise aims to establish 20 clubs in Monmouth, Middlesex, and Union counties over the next decade.
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