5 minute read
More Than Good Food
Company’s goal is to put fun in front of families, which means, of course, pickleball (and more).
By Pamela Spradlin Mahajan
Photos by Brooke Buck
If you’re searching for a dining spot that serves up more than mere food, look no farther than Chicken N Pickle in Overland Park. From Sunday brunch and Singo (a combination of Bingo and songs) to kids’ pickleball leagues at spring break and in the summer, there is always fun to be had at this entertainment complex.
“Chicken N Pickle is not just your typical restaurant,” says Samantha Murry, sales account manager.
The first Chicken N Pickle opened in Kansas City, Missouri, and was the only venue to include both a restaurant and pickleball courts. There are currently eight Chicken N Pickle locations, but by the end of the year there will be 14, with locations in Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and—of course—Kansas. The company has headquarters in both Kansas City and Dallas, with more than 2,000 employees. There were even two particularly notable investors named this year—Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.
What’s in Kansas
The Overland Park location offers bocce ball and shuffleboard courts, as well as six indoor and four outdoor pickleball courts. Pickleball leagues play on Mondays and Tuesdays. Other game options include corn hole, Ping-Pong, Battleship, and Jenga.
“The great thing about the sport of pickleball is it is for all ages,” Murry says. “We have kids’ clinics in the summer and open play for all ages up to 70plus. Anybody can play. Anybody can come here and enjoy themselves and know that it’s a family-friendly atmosphere.”
Pickleball is a sport where two, three, or four players use a solid paddle to hit a ball over a net. It shares similarities with racquetball and tennis. At the Overland Park location, indoor or outdoor courts can be rented for between $4 and $10 per person for open play and $10 and $40 an hour for private play. To learn the game or improve your skills, private pickleball lessons are offered for $50 to $60 per person. Semiprivate or group lessons are $25 to $30 per person.
The restaurant is not just for warm-weather days either. “A lot of people, when they think of us, they think of just our outdoors, but we do have a pretty big indoor area as well,” Murry says.
The great thing about the sport of pickleball is it is for all ages. We have kids’ clinics in the summer and open play for all ages up to 70-plus. Anybody can play. Anybody can come here and enjoy themselves and know that it’s a family-friendly atmosphere.
–SAMANTHA MURRY
They host multiple events throughout the year, including the Holiday Hideaway where the rooftop is transformed into a retro ski lodge. This year, patrons can even rent their own igloos.
In addition to the diverse selection of games and year-round events, the restaurant has plenty to offer when it comes to tasty cuisine. Everything is locally sourced, and the menu contains a variety of gluten-free and vegetarian options, says Murry. “Our menu is very versatile … we are always changing it based on the season, so you can come in and know that there is going to be something new on the menu.”
All about the Community
Beyond serving ever-evolving dishes, community is a key focus of the rapidly expanding company. They intend to give back in every city in which they have a location. “We always partner with local nonprofits,” Murry says. “Never a national organization, always local.”
One such way they are giving back in Overland Park was Pints with Purpose. Benefiting A Cure for Charlie, the event allowed attendees to stroll around the property, enjoy beer and food from vendors. The restaurant also partners with breast cancer organization Peace Out Cancer for a Wine Walk in October.
Another way the company demonstrates its commitment to the community is by supporting local artists. Kansas City-based artist Lance Flores created the murals in the North Kansas City location, and he’s currently working on a new mural in the rooftop stairwell.
Ready to celebrate a big event? Chicken N Pickle also offers private event packages, including those for graduations, birthday parties, fundraising galas, and corporate events. More details can be found on the website by clicking on the Private Events tab.
Still, Chicken N Pickle is far from just a spot to celebrate special occasions. The entertainment complex can be an excellent choice for an average day’s fun with the family as well. “We have never had a bad experience at Chicken N Pickle,” says recent customer Bailey. “I absolutely love the atmosphere and how family friendly it is. They have a large selection of drinks, and no one bats an eye at kids running around and having fun. It’s always a blast for all of us.”
For More
Chicken N Pickle - Overland Park
5901 W. 135th St.
Overland Park, KS 66223
913-703-5950
www.chickennpickle.com/location/overland-park
Chicken N Pickle
by the Numbers
1965: The year pickleball was invented
8: The current number of Chicken N Pickle restaurants
10: The number of pickleball courts at the Overland Park location
15 & 87: The numbers of Kansas City Chiefs players and Chicken N Pickle investors Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce
14: The number of Chicken N Pickle restaurants slated to open by the end of 2024
20–1,000+: The number of people the Leawood location can host for private events, from birthday parties to fundraising galas
