Chicken N Pickle Switches Gears: Chicken N Pickle, a fast-growing pickleball and restaurant brand, is shifting its growth strategy. Instead of building new locations from scratch, the company plans to expand by acquiring similar entertainment businesses. The move comes as construction costs and global tariffs continue to rise.
President Kelli Alldredge said the chain still plans to open its 13th location in Thornton, Colorado, next week. After that, the company will focus on buying and partnering with other social venues to grow faster.
From Construction to Acquisitions
Chicken N Pickle has been a leader in blending pickleball, dining, and fun. A new location in Allen, Texas, features more than 55,000 square feet, with indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, a restaurant, bar, and backyard games.
But rising costs and economic uncertainty are changing the plan. “Tariffs and cost of construction—the world’s a little bit of a crazy place right now, so we decided to get that 13th one open, and take a step back,” said Kelli Alldredge.
The company will now look for businesses with similar values and concepts to either convert into new Chicken N Pickle locations or run in partnership. “We do still intend to grow, and that’s really why we put out the press release. We wanted to tell our own story,” said Alldredge.
Targeting Shared Values and Social Spaces
Chicken N Pickle is seeking companies that offer great food, fun games, and a sense of community. “We’re open to concepts outside of just pickleball too,” said Alldredge. She added, “We want our guests to come in and really feel like they’re in their best friend’s backyard.”
The company also hopes to work with cities building public pickleball courts. “Is there a city that’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, we have approved this project for 12 pickleball courts. Could a Chicken N Pickle go right next door?” Alldredge explained.
Locations in Phoenix, Houston, and Denver are top targets for future growth. These cities already have one Chicken N Pickle location each. Alldredge said having two or more stores in one area helps marketing and operations.
Staying True to the Brand
Even as the business model shifts, Chicken N Pickle’s goal stays the same: to bring people together. “We really lean into being low-tech and high-touch,” said Alldredge. She believes the brand’s warm and social atmosphere is why it continues to attract customers.
Alldredge said people choose Chicken N Pickle for special moments—whether it’s dinner with family or a pickleball match with friends. “The growth of pickleball, it’s something I never would have predicted, and we do not take that for granted,” she added.
News in Brief: Chicken N Pickle Switches Gears
Chicken N Pickle is changing its growth strategy. Instead of building new sites, it will buy or partner with other social venues. Rising construction costs led to this shift. The company still plans to grow in places like Houston and Denver while staying focused on fun, food, and community.
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