Franchising

Why former Tropical Smoothie CEO is picking up pickleball

The Pickle Pad, which recently signed a franchise deal to open in Phoenix, is seeking more franchisees to help grow its footprint throughout the U.S., specifically in the Southeast and Midwest regions.

July 10, 2024 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Former Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Mike Rotondo hasn't exactly traded in smoothies for pickles, but the 20-year fast casual veteran is now overseeing The Pickle Pad, afranchised "entertainment" concept in Tallahassee launched in June by Indoor Active Brands. Created by NRD Capital, it also owns Altitude Trampoline Park, an 83-unit chain of trampoline parks offering jumping courts, dodgeball courts and Ninja warrior courses.

"I love brands that are "better for you," Rotondo said in an email interview with FastCasual. "What's better than being able to get in some great cardio playing pickleball and then in the same place being able to get something to eat or drink that supports what you just did versus working against it?"

The 27,000-square-foot facility offers an indoor pickleball playground and 20 other yard games, including dominoes and Jenga, and features Crave Social Eatery, a chef-inspired menu geared toward light, fresh food. Beer, wine and drinks are also available, and guests may have a full-service experience inside the restaurant or choose a more fast casual experience by ordering via kiosks and eating courtside.

"Our focus is on building the ultimate destination for outrageous pickleball fun in Tallahassee and nationwide as we expand," said Rotondo, who was previously CEO of EdibleArrangements and also worked for Arby's and Honeybaked Ham. "Participating in sports like pickleball is a method to connect with friends for an engaging activity, which is why I think the field is experiencing consistent growth. Unlike any other indoor sports venue, this destination has a laid-back vibe and comfortable setting where it does not matter if you are 'pickling' or not."

Ready to get on the court?

Rotondo said The Pickle Pad, which recently signed a franchise deal to open in Phoenix, is seeking more franchisees to help grow its footprint throughout the U.S., specifically in the Southeast and Midwest region. Costs range from $1,330,000 to $1,987,500.

Although expansion is not limited to cities with Altitude Trampoline Parks, Rotondo would like to leverage the partnership.

"They could technically be next-door neighbors, how cool would that be? We are aiming to expand across the nation to bring social gaming to all," he said.

Rotondo said The Pickle Pad is a place where friends, co-workers and family can gather to socialize, compete, exercise and dine.

"As a part of Indoor Active Brands, The Pickle Pad leverages years of experience in the family entertainment and restaurant industries to provide unmatched support for its franchisees," he said.

Want to hear more?

Rotondo will speak about the customer experience at the annual Interactive Customer Experience Summit, Sept. 11-13, in Charlotte. His panel, "CX Roundtable: Executive Predictions" also features:

• Erin Cohee | VP of Digital Customer Experience | OneUnited Bank.
• John Lowe | Board Member | Jeni's.
• Billy Thompson | President- RSAI | Kate's Skating Rinks, LLC

Register

About Cherryh Cansler

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Cherryh Cansler is VP of Events for Networld Media Group and publisher of FastCasual.com. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.

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