The Flying Pickle Franchise Expansion: The Flying Pickle, a pickleball club based in Meridian, Idaho, has announced plans to expand nationally through franchising. The company revealed its new growth strategy in June, shortly after confirming a second location will open in Nampa this November. The first club launched in Meridian in 2023.
The Flying Pickle offers memberships, social spaces, and an on-site restaurant with a cantina-style menu. Paul Starita founded the business in partnership with professional pickleball players Susannah Barr and Nick Peterson. According to franchise law firm Spadea Lignana, the success of the Meridian club quickly drew interest from people wanting to open similar locations.
“They wanted to know how we did it, and how they could bring it to their own communities,”
Paul Starita told Spadea Lignana.
New Locations in Idaho and Beyond
The Nampa club will be located at 1350 N. Galleria Drive in the Sugar District, which recently rebranded from the Nampa Gateway Center. Additional planned locations include Idaho Falls, Post Falls, Billings in Montana, Goodyear in Arizona, Kennewick in Washington, and Chattanooga in Tennessee.
The Kennewick and Chattanooga sites already have Instagram pages with “coming soon” posts. Social media accounts for the other new locations are active but have not yet posted updates.
Pickleball as a Growing Business
The Flying Pickle’s franchising information estimates pickleball to be a $9.1 billion market. The company says revenue can come from memberships, guest passes, merchandise, restaurant sales, lessons, tournaments, youth camps, and events.
The main company will oversee site selection and project management for franchise owners. The estimated cost to open a location ranges from $1.3 million to $4.5 million.
The Flying Pickle’s expansion signals the increasing demand for pickleball facilities nationwide. By combining sport, social spaces, and dining, the brand aims to attract both competitive players and casual visitors while helping franchise owners tap into one of the fastest-growing sports markets.
News in Brief: The Flying Pickle Franchise Expansion
The Flying Pickle pickleball club, based in Meridian, Idaho, will expand nationally through franchising. A second location opens in Nampa this November, with more planned in Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Washington, and Tennessee. The business offers pickleball courts, social areas, and dining, with investment costs starting at $1.3 million.
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