The Franchise Discovery, May 2023

Welcome to the May edition of BizFranHub’s The Franchise Discovery! Pickleball's meteoric rise in popularity has made it one of America's most beloved sports in recent years. As more individuals find themselves captivated by this exhilarating game, the need for specialized Pickleball courts and facilities is becoming increasingly apparent. In this newsletter, we will examine the driving factors behind this phenomenon and discuss how Pickleball-centric franchises can seize this opportunity.

Pickleball's Rise in Popularity and the Opportunity for Franchises

Why Pickleball is So Popular Right Now

Pickleball has been winning hearts across the country, and there are a few key reasons for its rapid rise in popularity:

1??Ease of Play: The learning curve is much shorter for Pickleball compared to other racket sports. With a wiffle-like ball and a lighter, shorter paddle, even beginners can quickly get the hang of the game. The underhand serve also makes it easier to hit and return.

2??Adaptable Intensity: While Pickleball is slower-paced than tennis and requires less ground coverage, it still provides a great workout. Players can ramp up the intensity through practice, competitive play, or switching from doubles to singles.

3??Social Interaction: One of the biggest barriers to exercise is a lack of social interaction. Pickleball overcomes this by being an inherently social game that keeps players coming back for more. It has even been linked to increased life satisfaction and lower levels of depression among players. Pickleball etiquette and sportsmanship further promote camaraderie among participants.

4??Inclusivity: The sport can be played by almost anyone, regardless of age or physical ability. It's possible to play standing or in wheelchairs, indoors or outdoors, making it a versatile option for staying active.

5??Affordability: Getting started is relatively inexpensive. A set of two paddles and four balls costs around $60.

With all these factors combined, it's no wonder that Pickleball has become a beloved pastime for so many people. Its fun, social nature combined with its accessibility and adaptability make it an appealing choice for players of all ages and skill levels.

Subway's Embrace of Pickleball: A Sign of Mainstream Appeal

The rising popularity of pickleball has even caught the attention of major brands like Subway?, which recently introduced a limited-time Pickleball Club sandwich to its menu. This collaboration not only highlights the sport's growing influence on mainstream culture but also demonstrates its potential as a marketing tool for businesses.

The Subway Pickleball Club sandwich features two new ingredients: Honey Mustard and thicker, crunchier dill pickles.

Can I Play Pickleball at the GYM?

Many gyms have started offering dedicated space for Pickleball, but due to limited availability, their courts often become overcrowded.

However, the overcrowded courts at many gyms have created a unique opportunity for Pickleball-focused franchises to step in and address the growing demand for dedicated venues.

The Opportunity for Pickleball Franchises

The increasing demand for dedicated Pickleball courts has led to the emergence of Pickleball franchises with varied offerings, such as Ace Pickleball Club and Smash Park. These franchises cater to different market segments, providing unique opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs to capitalize on the booming market.

Ace Pickleball Club focuses on the fitness aspect, offering technology-enabled indoor pickleball courts, memberships, and a health-conscious environment. Meanwhile, Smash Park is an eat-and-play model that combines pickleball with dining, drinks, and a wide array of recreational games.

Here are the key offerings from these two distinct franchise models:

Ace Pickleball Club (Fitness Model):

1. State-of-the-art Facilities: Indoor Pickleball courts with optimal playing conditions and advanced technology for live streaming and instant replays.
2. Monthly Memberships: Providing affordable access to dedicated Pickleball courts, fitness amenities, and professional coaching.
3. Health and Wellness: Focusing on creating a health-conscious environment that encourages players to improve their skills and fitness levels.

Smash Park (Eat-and-Play Model):

1. Indoor Pickleball Courts: Providing dedicated courts and a pro shop, accommodating players of all skill levels, with leagues and tournaments available.
2. Full Bar and Court-side Service: Offering a variety of craft cocktails and local brews with servers attending to the courts, allowing players to enjoy drinks while they play.
3. Additional Recreational Games: A wide array of games including bocce ball, shuffleboard, darts, cornhole, foosball, ping pong, and giant games like Connect 4 and Jenga.
4. Social Interaction: Creating a lively environment that fosters camaraderie and social interaction among guests, with options for both indoor and outdoor games.

By tapping into the diverse interests of Pickleball enthusiasts, these franchises are well-positioned to thrive in this rapidly growing market.

Franchise Expansion and Investment Opportunities

Ace Pickleball Club is set to open its first location in the Atlanta area in Spring 2023, indicating their readiness to enter the Pickleball market. While they have not yet opened their doors, their request for information option on their website signals their interest in franchising. With an estimated buildout cost of around $1.2 million, Ace Pickleball Club presents a more cost-effective investment opportunity for those interested in the growing Pickleball market.

On the other hand, Smash Park has already established itself with two operating locations in Pella, IA, and West Des Moines, IA. The West Des Moines location boasts 2166 Google reviews with a 4.6-star average, demonstrating the positive reception it has received. Although Smash Park does not currently have a request for information about franchising, their business model's growth suggests that they will be franchising. With additional buildout, kitchen, and patio areas, Smash Park would likely require a more significant investment, making it more suitable for wealthier investors.

By providing these distinct franchise models, Ace Pickleball Club and Smash Park cater to different investment interests and capabilities, allowing more investors to participate in the growing Pickleball market.

The Future of Pickleball Franchises and Gyms

As Pickleball continues to gain popularity, it's likely that more gyms and entrepreneurs will explore the potential of incorporating Pickleball into their offerings or establishing Pickleball-focused franchises. Ace Pickleball Club and Smash Park are not the only players in the game; new franchises like Pickleball Kingdom and Swing Courts are entering the market, showing that the Pickleball world is set to expand even further.

The increasing number of Pickleball franchises on the horizon highlights the potential for healthy competition in the industry, creating diverse options for investors and patrons alike. As more businesses join the Pickleball revolution, we can expect the sport to continue growing in popularity and reach even more enthusiasts.

Stay tuned for many more Franchise Discoveries!

Team BFH