Building Human Connection Through Pickleball, Hospitality, and Community - with Chicken N Pickle President Kelli Alldredge

What happens when you combine pickleball, hospitality, entertainment, and community into one experience-driven business model? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Kelli Alldredge, President of Chicken N Pickle, to explore how one of the most recognizable names in pickleball entertainment grew from a bold idea in Kansas City into a nationally recognized hospitality brand with 13 locations across the country. Long before pickleball exploded during the pandemic, Chicken N Pickle saw the sport’s unique power to bring people together. Kelli shares the story behind the company’s early vision, how she went from customer to president, and why the organization’s real success comes not from pickleball itself, but from creating meaningful human connection through food, celebration, and shared experiences. This conversation matters for anyone leading a racquet sports business, operating a facility, or trying to build community around sport. Whether you manage a tennis club, pickleball venue, or multi-sport facility, you’ll gain valuable insight into hospitality-driven business models, experiential programming, and how to create spaces people genuinely crave returning to.  What You’ll Learn:  Why Chicken N Pickle views itself as a hospitality and human connection business—not just a pickleball company  How “owning celebrations” became a core part of the organization’s business strategy   Why food, entertainment, and dwell time are critical to long-term facility success   How Kelli Alldredge evolved from customer to president by leading with passion and adaptability   Why inclusive programming and community impact are essential to the future of pickleball   The importance of creating experiences that make guests want to stay for hours—not just play and leave   How Chicken N Pickle balances growth, hospitality, and operational complexity across multiple locations   Why racquet sports leaders should think beyond court revenue when building sustainable businesses  Resources & Mentions: Chicken N Pickle— Hospitality and entertainment brand combining pickleball, dining, and community-driven experiences Hosts: Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports Management Simon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports Development Guest: Kelli Alldredge — President, Chicken N Pickle Learn More & Get Certified: Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. Learn more here: Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1 Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS        - Course 1 completion is required for course 2 Discount Code: Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 off Inquiries: Contact: UFDORS@.ufl.edu