We live in a time where trends, crazes, and fads have become the norm. From lava lamps in the 70s to tickle-me-Elmo’s in the 90s, we have all fallen victim to a fad at one point or another. Although most come in the form of products or personal styling choices, “sports” also hold their fair share of cringe-worthy fads. Who remembers underwater hockey, also known as ‘octopush’? How about chess-boxing, a sport where you can win a match via knock-out or check-mate?

When hearing about a sport that combines badminton, ping-pong and tennis, one likely thinks ‘here we go again’. But pickleball, a sport relatively unknown to most, has been around for over 50 years!

Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington State, along with the help of his friend Bill Bell invented the sport on a summer afternoon in 1965. Searching for an activity that the entire family could participate in, Joel and Bill set up a badminton net in the yard. After realizing they didn’t have a complete set of rackets, they decided to improvise with ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. With some on fly adjustments, namely lowering the net and moving the court to asphalt, the ground rules were laid. The rest, as they say, is rotisserie (or something like that).

Laying claim as the fastest growing sport in North America, pickleball courts, clubs and tournaments are popping up in nearly every metropolitan, and Chicken N’ Pickle, with the help of Bill Crooks and the PB&J Restaurant Group, is wasting little time planting their flag as an industry leader in the sport. With four outdoor courts and four indoor courts, Chicken N’ Pickle is quickly establishing themselves as the pickleball mecca, offering clinics, private lessons, camps and leagues to players of all ages and skill sets.

The fun doesn’t stop when stepping off the court. Between matches, patrons can fuel up on a rotisserie chicken meal or select from a wide range of sandwiches, salads and Mexican munchies. The patio on the second floor offers a great vantage point to take in all the action while replenishing those lost calories. With two motorized retractable canopies on a custom ShadeFX Aluminum Pergola, the balcony is home to over 600 square feet of sun and rain protection, providing a comfortable space to recharge for the next match of pickleball, cornholes, or life-size battleship … yes, life-size battleship!

We’re not the only ones that have fallen in love with Chicken N’ Pickle. It’s been such a hit in Kansas City, that the group has broken ground on its second location in Wichita, KS, less than two years later.

Believe the hype! Pickleball is taking over and Chicken N’ Pickle is leading the charge!

Are you a fan of pickleball? Comment below and let us know!