Eat, dink, and be merry on nine different courts when the pickleball facility-cum-dining experience Painted Pickle hits northeast Atlanta in December.
Significant Traction
The game has gained significant traction in Atlanta, with courts now accessible throughout the city and its surrounding suburbs. Justin Amick and William Stallworth are placing their bets on pickleball’s widespread popularity and impressive growth as they prepare a December launch for their next venture,
The Painted Pickle, at Armour Yards, is located just over 4 miles northeast of downtown.
Similar to Amick and Stallworth’s previous recreational restaurant ventures, namely the Painted Pin and the Painted Duck, the Painted Pickle will extend beyond mere gameplay.
Fried Pickles!
The menu will feature such offerings as fried pickles, charcuterie boards, assorted bowls and salads, and panini. Additionally, the establishment will serve classic cocktails, locally sourced draft beer, and a selection of wines available by the glass and bottle. Notably, there are plans for a modest sushi bar as well.
However, as Atlanta Eater reports, it’s important to avoid labeling Painted Pickle as just another “eatertainment” venue, a term commonly used to categorize establishments that combine dining with various games.
According to Amick, Painted Pickle embodies a different concept altogether: “In short, a ‘compeatery’ is a place to compete, eat, drink, and be social.
“We look forward to putting our stamp on pickleball – the fastest growing sport in the nation – with Painted Pickle.”
Eight Indoor And One Outdoor Courts
Covering an impressive 32,500 square feet, Painted Pickle will boast eight indoor pickleball courts alongside one outdoor court. The establishment will house a clubhouse featuring a pro shop, as well as an elevated central seating area affording a panoramic view of the center court within this expansive sports complex.
Adding to the allure, Painted Pickle will be under the guidance of Ivan Vizcaya, a distinguished figure who previously showcased his talents as a tennis player for the University of Georgia. Vizcaya, a certified PPR pickleball instructor, has clinched five gold medals in professional pickleball tournaments.
First-Come, First-Served
Reservations for courts will be available within specific time slots until 5 p.m. on weekdays, while walk-ins will be warmly welcomed for both pickleball sessions and dining experiences.
Beyond 5 p.m. on weekdays and throughout the weekends, courts will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, mirroring the operational model at the Painted Pin and the Painted Duck. Each court can accommodate up to 12 players, allowing for gameplay sessions lasting up to two hours.
Equipment, including paddles and balls, will be provided, with charges based on a per-hour, per-court basis. Notably, all other games at Painted Pickle, encompassing darts, ping pong, shuffleboard, and the indoor putting green, will be complimentary.
The venue will also feature a designated stage for live musical performances and other entertainment.
Concentrics Restaurants
And Amick and Stallworth’s gaming restaurant realm is not stopping at three. In January, these longstanding partners have plans to unveil Painted Park, taking over the former Brasserie and Neighborhood Cafe at the Parish space on North Highland Avenue in Inman Park.
It’s worth noting that Parish was previously owned by Concentrics Restaurants, the same group responsible for Two Urban Licks and Bully Boy.
Notably, Amick, the son of Concentrics owner Bob Amick, served as the general manager of Parish for an extended period before co-founding his restaurant enterprise, Painted Hospitality, alongside Stallworth in 2014.
