Combining pickleball and pints has finally come to fruition for Four Fathers Brewing Company in Hespeler.
The local business unveiled its Pickleball Society at a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.
The idea to bring the sport, which has grown exponentially in popularity, inside the brewery has been years in the making.
From a concrete slab with painted on white lines in 2022, to a fully functional six court facility, it’s been quite the journey for Four Fathers co-owner Michael Hruden and his team.
“We were doing the two courts, temporary stuff with friends and family,” Hruden said of when it all began.
“We had thoughts of what to do with it and there were people coming in talking about pickleball. It’s growing and growing fast. We thought we could make something of it.”
And make something of it, they have.
Hruden knows with the current economic climate and the often volatile hospitality sector, it's critical to expand offerings to their customers wherever possible.
Fortunate to have a large building just off the main strip in Hespeler Village, the two courts expanded to four, then six.
The facility also features a pro shop, bar and seating area.
“We use the word destination. We have events, we have the disc golf and now we have pickleball,” Hruden said.
“Since Covid, it’s been a slow come back for people. Costs are higher, wages are higher. A lot of customers can’t go out as many times as they used to. For us, this is going to be great and hopefully members will have a complete experience in the tap room.”
Ward 6 councillor Adam Cooper was on hand representing the city and said having places to play the sport is something he’s heard residents asking for more of.
“This is fantastic,” Cooper said.
“When we’re dealing with the public and sports facilities, one thing we’ve constantly heard is we want pickleball courts. I know it’s going to be used and I think we all need to get the word out that this facility is here.”
Activities will be taking place throughout the week, including open courts, workshops and skill-based competitions.
An inaugural tournament is being hosted from Feb. 9 to 11.
For details on memberships and the tournament visit fourfathersbrewing.ca or follow on Instagram @4fatherspickleball.
