A national chain that specializes in showcasing America’s two favorite pastimes – eating chicken and playing pickleball – is opening its three-acre site in Thornton on June 24.
Chicken N Pickle is an indoor/outdoor pickleball entertainment complex with locations across the country. Its newest venture is being unveiled in The Grove shopping center near I-25 and 144th Avenue. The facility marks the first pickleball-dedicated venue in the Thornton area.
Chicken N Pickle CEO Brad Clarke says that the enterprise is more than just a place to play pickleball and is an all-in-one destination for food, fun and community connection.
The expansive complex blends professional-grade pickleball courts with a chef-driven restaurant, a lively sports bar and a variety of games and gathering spaces.
Whether guests can compete, connect or simply kick back, the Thornton venue will deliver an experience designed to bring people together across seasons, ages and interests, Clarke said in a news release.
“We’re thrilled to bring Chicken N Pickle to Thornton, a community that reflects our desire to offer a space where families, friends and colleagues can create memories and connect through playful experiences,” said Clarke. “Colorado’s active, outdoorsy spirit and Thornton’s strong sense of community make it the ideal place for our next venue. We believe in the power of shared celebrations, whether it’s over a delicious meal, a refreshing beverage or a spirited game, to foster human connection and support our neighbors.”
Spanning more than three acres and over 45,000 square feet, the complex features eight professional-grade pickleball courts, including six indoor and two covered outdoor courts, for casual games or competitive play, according to the news release.
The fast-casual, chef-driven restaurant specializes in wood-fired rotisserie chicken with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients that are responsibly raised and ethically sourced, the news release states. Lawn games like cornhole, ping pong, Jenga and life-sized Battleship add to the playful energy, while rooftop seating with three unique event spaces (two indoors and one open-air) offers courtside and mountain views. Additional reservable spaces like The Roost and The Boardwalk on the main dining floor, plus two bier gardens and a game yard, make the venue perfect for everything from relaxed evenings to private celebrations and team outings, the news release states.
The Thornton location’s indoor court building features an open-air design, with garage doors throughout the space that open halfway to seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces. It will be the first Chicken N Pickle to include windows overlooking the indoor courts, bringing in dynamic new energy and flow to the space, the news release states.
The venue offers adaptive pickleball programming and inclusive spaces that welcome everyone, from seasoned players to first-timers and families. The company states that Chicken N Pickle takes seriously its role in promoting inclusivity, health and awareness through active participation in adaptive pickleball, fostering wellness, social connection and advocacy for individuals with physical disabilities. All skill levels are encouraged to join, with on-site wheelchairs available to ensure full accessibility for every guest.
The grand opening celebration is scheduled for June 24, and continue throughout the week with themed events and giveaways designed to welcome the Thornton community. See here for additional grand opening information.
Launched in North Kansas City, Missouri, in 2016, Chicken N Pickle has grown nationally, with locations in cities such as Wichita, Kan.; San Antonio, Texas; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Henderson, Nevada; Glendale, Arizona; Grand Prairie, Texas; and Grapevine, Texas.