Franchisor and indoor court operator Dill Dinkers has announced an expansion plan into the D.C. area. Local entrepreneurs Travis Andrews and Jonathan Boateng have collaborated to introduce the pickleball brand to Washington, D.C.
They’ve inked a regional development deal with Dill Dinkers to establish five indoor pickleball facilities in the District within the next five years.
A Promising Opportunity
The duo, inspired by their meeting with Dill Dinkers founders Will and Denise Richards earlier this year, perceived it as a promising opportunity to join forces with the expanding company, initiated in November 2022 in Columbia, Maryland, and now boasting over 65 locations in seven states.
Andrews discussed the shortage of pickleball locations in D.C. and how they intended to seek franchisees for venue management or potentially develop sites themselves:
“There’s just not enough locations in D.C. to play pickleball today,” Andrews told Keith Loria at the Commercial Observer.
“18- To 25- Foot Ceilings”
While specific D.C. locations are yet to be finalized, the duo is eyeing prospects in other neighborhoods, as Boateng explained:
“We’re looking at some facilities in Georgetown, the Navy Yard, Northeast D.C., and we’re prospecting different locations to see if they meet the requirements,” Boateng told CO. “We’re looking for places that are at least 16,000 square feet, ideally 20,000 square feet, with 18- to 25-foot ceiling heights.”
The objective is to launch one pickleball location annually, complementing existing facilities in Maryland, Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Connecticut.
Friendly And Inclusive Community
Andrews emphasized their mission to support entrepreneurs and the professional indoor experience:
“A core aspect of our mission is to support entrepreneurs and the professional indoor experience.
“We deeply believe that our success is intrinsically linked to the success of our franchisees, and we are thrilled to introduce the friendly and inclusive community that Dill Dinkers has built.”
San Antonio, Texas
This D.C. venture marks the second regional agreement for the pickleball company specializing in indoor courts, following an agreement in Texas earlier this year.
Partnering with consulting firm Franchise Well, Dill Dinkers closed a 20-facility deal with Brian Birdy, CEO of Birdy Properties in San Antonio.
Chief Development Officer Ben Litalien emphasized the importance of speed to market, with promising progress in San Antonio’s property acquisition.
About Dill Dinkers
Dill Dinkers, as described on their website, is dedicated to providing pickleball enthusiasts of all levels with a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. Their facilities aim to foster a sense of community, offering fun matches, skill improvement opportunities, and a shared passion for the sport.
Memberships come with substantial benefits, including half-price court fees, advanced court booking privileges, free use of the ball machine, and discounts on leagues, clinics, tournaments, and the pro shop.
Notably, being a member at one Dill Dinkers location grants membership privileges at all Dill Dinkers facilities.
