Smash Park Entertainment Group
Pickleball-anchored eatertainment venues with food and games.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
* | N/A | Growth Equity VC | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Smash Park Entertainment Group operates large-scale indoor and outdoor "eatertainment" venues centered around the sport of pickleball. Founded in 2018 by Monty and Kerri Lockyear, the company sought to create a new, active, and social experience. They identified pickleball, a rapidly growing and accessible sport, as the core attraction and built an experience around it that includes chef-crafted food, cocktails, and a wide array of other games. The first location opened in West Des Moines, Iowa, in September 2018.
The company's business model is rooted in the high-growth "eatertainment" category, offering multiple revenue streams that appeal to a broad demographic. Revenue is generated from its fast-casual restaurant, multiple bars, and fees for games and activities. The venues, which can be up to 50,000 square feet, feature pickleball courts, axe-throwing, duckpin bowling, arcade games, private karaoke rooms, and various yard games. This diverse offering makes Smash Park a destination for individuals, families, and corporate events. The company actively fosters community engagement and drives repeat business through leagues, tournaments, and weekly events like trivia nights and watch parties for major sporting events.
In July 2020, Smash Park launched a franchise program to facilitate nationwide expansion. This strategy is supported by a significant minority growth investment from DCA Partners, announced in June 2023, aimed at accelerating the company's expansion across the United States. This investment highlights the firm's strategy of capitalizing on the whitespace opportunity for pickleball-centric entertainment venues. The company has expanded from its original West Des Moines location to include venues in Pella, IA, Roseville, MN, and La Vista, NE, with more under development.
Keywords: eatertainment, pickleball venues, competitive socializing, family entertainment, corporate events, food and beverage, franchise, recreation, axe throwing, duckpin bowling, arcade games, live entertainment, sports bars, event space, community events, hospitality, entertainment group, restaurant, leisure facilities, active entertainment