The Hidden Growth Engine for Pickleball Clubs
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Last week I had the pleasure of chatting with an internship candidate from Singapore, one of the world’s most advanced technology hubs. Right from the start, he impressed me when he described GoTab as “a pioneer in the use of QR codes in the US.” I loved that frame!
I almost hired him on the spot! Coming from a Singaporean, it felt like a real compliment and a reminder that GoTab has always been about finding new ways to make hospitality better.
That same spirit of innovation is shaping what we’re seeing in pickleball venues today.
A few stats to set the stage for what’s really happening:
- As of 2024 there were 68,458 known pickleball courts in the US, with 18455 new courts added in just that year. Source.
- In 2024, 4,000 new court locations were added, bringing the total “places to play” to almost 16,000. Source.
- There are now nearly 19.8 million Americans actively playing pickleball. Source.
Courts are popping up everywhere. And the pickleball merch is so cute it makes me want to pick up a paddle myself. But what’s even more exciting is how operators are transforming these spaces into true social destinations with food, drinks, and events that keep guests coming back. The truth is, no one can do it alone. It takes partnerships and collaboration to make these venues thrive.
That’s exactly what this week’s newsletter is about: the stories, tools, and strategies powering the next generation of pickleball clubs.
Cheers,
Patricia Mejia, CMO 🍺
Also In This Issue
- Case Study – Eatertainment? Consider it Crushed! Crush Yard Plus GoTab & DishOut Are Taking the South by Storm
- Best Practices – How Food & Beverage Programs Are Powering Pickleball's Next Phase
- New Webinar Presented by IAPPF– Learn the Tools to Integrate F&B and Club Player Systems.
- September Sales Promotion – Sign up by Sept. 30 to get a full POS hardware bundle.
Eatertainment? Consider it Crushed! Crush Yard Plus GoTab and Dishout are Taking the Southeast by Storm
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Meet Crush Yard, the pickleball bar & lounge that’s turning heads across the Southeast. With two locations open and a third on the way, this venue isn’t just about courts. It’s about connection. From indoor courts and arcade games to full restaurant and bar programs, Crush Yard blends play, food, and hospitality in a way that keeps everyone coming back. In this case study, see how GoTab + DishOut power their operation:
- Flexible POS & QR ordering that adapts to different service styles
- Seamless tip pooling and real-time reporting to keep the team motivated and the back-of-house running smoothly
- Service models that balance speed and hospitality, even during peak court rotations and large events
If you’re looking to build more than just a court space and want a venue that feels like a destination, this one’s for you. Learn More>
How Food & Beverage Programs Are Powering Pickleball’s Next Phase
Across the country, pickleball venues are discovering that the game alone won’t sustain long-term growth. The clubs that thrive are those that treat hospitality as central to the experience, making food and beverage every bit as important as the courts themselves.
Some are evolving from suburban lounges into social hubs anchored by craft cocktails and shareable bites. Others are launching as sprawling lifestyle destinations, where premium dining and private events rival the action on the courts. And still others are building high-energy entertainment complexes, combining pickleball with arcade games, live music, and family dining.
In every format, the lesson is the same: food and beverage is the engine powering pickleball’s next phase. Learn More>
Powering Pickleball Clubs with Seamless Integrations
Running a high-volume pickleball club means juggling reservations, events, self-pour taps, and member management. GoTab connects it all. With direct integrations to Tripleseat (event deposits + tab sync), iPourIt and PourMyBeer (self-pour beverage walls), CourtReserve (court reservations + memberships), and Rex (reservations, memberships + loyalty), we help clubs streamline operations and maximize every match. Learn More>
Score a POS Bundle When You Sign Up by September 30
Sign up or complete a demo by September 30, 2025, and we'll cover our entire POS hardware bundle—on the house! This isn’t just a trial—it’s an immediate boost to your operation. Your bundle includes:
- A flexible, cloud-based POS
- A fast, secure payment terminal
- Matching stand + dock to keep things tidy
- A Phone-Only POS option, for payments anywhere—even without a card reader
- A Kitchen Display System (KDS) for streamlined order flow (printer not included)
Save on hardware. Get set up faster. Serve smarter.
Ready to level up? Request a demo today and lock in your bundle! Learn More>
What Our Customers Are Saying
“At Crush Yard, we built the food and beverage program to be just as memorable as the gameplay. GoTab and DishOut help us deliver on that promise by keeping service smooth and tip management seamless, no matter how busy we get. Guests enjoy scratch-made menus and curated beverages without the wait, and our team benefits from transparent, timely payouts. It’s the kind of balance that lets us focus on what matters most—creating experiences that bring people together.”
- Brandon Buck, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage
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