How to Boost Revenue at Your Pickleball or Padel Club with Smarter Food & Beverage Tech

Pickleball and padel clubs are rapidly transforming from simple sports venues into full-fledged lifestyle destinations. As interest in these fast-growing sports continues to surge, operators are discovering that success isn’t just about court reservations or tournaments—it’s about the overall experience. And a major driver of that experience? Food and beverage.

Whether it’s a celebratory drink after a match, a quick smoothie before heading home, or a casual meal with friends between games, food and beverage has become an essential part of the guest journey. The good news: it can also be a major revenue stream. And you don’t have to add an army of staff.

Why Hospitality Matters in Modern Racquet Sports Facilities

Guests aren’t just coming to play. They’re coming to stay. The most successful clubs aren’t simply sports facilities; they’re vibrant social hubs. Offering thoughtfully designed, easily accessible food and beverage experiences keeps guests on-site longer, increases per-visit spend, and fosters community. It all translates into better margins and more loyalty.

But while the opportunity is huge, managing hospitality in an active sports environment comes with challenges. Traditional point-of-sale (POS) systems and service models often fall short. Operators need flexibility, efficiency, and control. And they need tools that help them run without adding a ton of overhead.

What Are The Tech Features That Power Profitable Food & Beverage Programs?

Here are five key hospitality technology capabilities that can help racquet sports clubs offer elevated food and beverage experiences while keeping their operations lean:

1. QR Code Ordering & Payment and Text-to-Tab

Guests want flexibility. With QR code ordering or text-to-tab functionality, players can order food or drinks from their phones before, during, or after a match. Orders can be delivered to tables, picked up at a counter, or even brought courtside. This kind of self-service not only improves the guest experience, it also boosts average check sizes and reduces the need for additional staff to take orders.

2. Self Ordering Kiosks

Self-ordering kiosks are a game-changer for pickleball and padel clubs looking to streamline food and beverage service without increasing staff. These kiosks allow players and guests to browse the menu, customize their orders, and pay at their own pace. Whether placed near the café, bar, or lounge area, kiosks reduce wait times, eliminate order errors, and keep lines moving during peak periods. They also free up staff to focus on fulfillment and hospitality, making it easier to serve more guests efficiently and boost average check size while delivering a modern, convenient experience.

3. Persistent, Flexible Tab Management

Rather than forcing guests to pay after each transaction, systems like GoTab let them open a tab that stays with them throughout their visit. Whether they move from court to café to patio, their tab follows them. And when they’re ready to leave, closing out is seamless. They handle it all on their mobile device. This fits perfectly with the casual, collegial environments pickleball and padel club patrons expect. And it is especially valuable for groups, tournaments, or casual players who want to snack and socialize throughout the day.

4. Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS)

A Kitchen Display System (KDS) with integrated printers ensures that orders placed from anywhere, online, QR code, POS terminal, or handheld, are routed instantly to the right kitchen or bar station. This streamlines communication, improves order accuracy, and eliminates the need for handwritten tickets or manual coordination between staff. Orders come in clearly and are easy to manage, even during busy service periods.

5. Hybrid Service Friendly (Full-Serve + Self-Serve)

Every club is different. Many have varying traffic flows depending on the time of day or type of event. The best platforms support both staff-led and guest-led service. During tournaments or peak weekend hours, staff can use handheld devices or terminals to take orders and manage service. During slower periods, guests can order directly from their own devices. This hybrid approach ensures great service without requiring fixed labor costs.

6. Group Ordering & Event Tabs

Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate event, or league tournament, racquet clubs often host group gatherings. The ability to tie multiple orders to a single event tab or, pre-sell F&B packages, is critical for simplifying operations and reducing manual reconciliation. Guests can order individually, and the system still connects all spend to the event organizer. This streamlines the payment process and reduces confusion for both guests and staff.

7. Integrated Court Reservation Solutions

Integrating your point-of-sale platform with court reservation systems creates a seamless guest experience from check-in to checkout. Depending on how systems are connected, players can reserve a court, pre-order drinks or snacks, and even start a tab before they arrive. This not only reduces operational friction but also increases convenience for guests which encourages higher spend and longer visits. For example, using the GoTab integration with CourtReserve, players can order items via GoTab and charge directly to their CourtReserve member account, creating a seamless checkout experience for your members.

Smarter Tech, Smoother Operations

Technology built for racquet sports facilities needs to account for more than just retail sales. It needs to support the rhythm of active, social spaces. Clubs that adopt flexible, guest-centric ordering and fulfillment systems are able to:

• Increase revenue per guest
• Reduce labor needs and operational complexity
• Deliver a seamless, modern guest experience
• Adapt to growth, new offerings, and seasonal traffic

Pickleball and padel facility operators don’t need to compromise between offering great food and staying efficient. The right technology empowers your team to do more with less, while giving your guests a reason to stay longer and come back more often.

Want to Learn More About Streamlining F&B at Your Pickleball Club?

Looking to see how high-end hospitality and premium sports experiences come together? Check out this compelling case study from Paddle & Par in Beverly Hills, Michigan. As an upscale pickleball and golf simulator club, they’ve blended chef-driven dining, a full-service bar, and seamless mobile + QR ordering to deliver a truly elevated social sports experience. Plus, they’ve empowered staff to serve guests wherever they are—courtside, lounge, or bar—without hiring extra team members.

Learn how Paddle & Par is redefining the social sports landscape: “Not Just a Pickleball Club—How Paddle Par Is Redefining the Social Sports Experience in Beverly Hills, Michigan.”

Discover how your club can elevate its F&B game while keeping operations lean and guest-friendly.