With the pickleball scene growing rapidly, many club and business owners are starting to find new ways to stand out. Pickle and Social in Gwinnett, GA had the unique idea to combine pickleball with a full culinary and beverage experience. Brian Harper, Partner and COO of Competitive Social Ventures, says that “food and beverage were always a focus from the very conception of Pickle and Social.” Competitive Social Ventures is the parent company to two other endeavors, Roaring Social and Fairway Social. All three ventures have “social” in their names for a reason. Harper has seen tremendous success in combining entertainment with food and beverage options, so when ideating that with their pickleball concepts, they knew it would be a big hit.
The best news is that anyone is welcome to have a drink and order dinner. You don’t have to be a member or even play pickleball to enjoy their full menu. Their service runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., so there is plenty of time to try out their Double Breaded Chicken Tenders or the Double Stack Burger and Flatbreads. It’s a perfect place to hang out, catch up with friends, and enjoy live music in the spring and summer months. In addition to the sixteen pickleball courts, consisting of indoor, outdoor, and semi-covered courts, there are tons of other activities like “ping pong, Spikeball, BasketPong… [and an] ACL Cornhole Yard,” Harper adds. Guests can also look forward to more upcoming activities including Tuesday Trivia, Bar Olympics, and Music Bingo.
For anyone looking to try a similar approach, Harper believes there are two models in the space. There is an “eatertainment option that offers a full culinary and beverage experience or the traditional membership model.” One of the main goals of Pickle and Social was to draw in a wider variety of customers. They had secured the Picklers’ interest with their courts, but they had also broadened their scope to include anyone who enjoyed the long list of other amenities included. Both methods can be successful if there’s enough thought and creativity, but his biggest piece of advice is to ensure that you are truly passionate about the route you decide to take. There are advantages to both, but the team at Competitive Social Ventures is passionate about curating the guest experience and finding ways to make their visit memorable.
Social interaction is what enhances connections and creates unforgettable experiences. They provide a casual environment where you can drop in after work, bring the kids for a family night, or get in a good workout on the courts; yet, their success lies far beyond just the entertainment alone. Harper says, “our food and beverage programs are cultivated by our staff who are trained to be experienced creators. They guide the guest experience and support their choices of activities to participate in from activity to food.” This connection is precisely what gives Pickle and Social a lively atmosphere. They ensure that every guest is fulfilled with their experience, leaving them no choice but to return.
