Pickleball players visiting Chicken N Pickle will soon have more opportunities to test equipment before deciding what belongs in their court bag.
Paddletek has been named the official paddle and ball partner of Chicken N Pickle, creating an all-venue program that allows guests to demo, rent and purchase Paddletek equipment directly at participating locations.
The partnership covers all 13 Chicken N Pickle venues across Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas. According to the companies, the venues collectively welcome more than 5 million visits annually.
Try Before You Buy
One of the biggest advantages of the partnership is the ability to compare paddles during actual play.
Paddle specifications—including weight, shape, grip size, balance and surface material—can look impressive on paper, but they do not always reveal how a paddle will feel during a game. A model that works well for one player may not provide the comfort, control or power another player needs.
Under the new program, Paddletek will supply demo paddles and balls to every Chicken N Pickle location. Guests can test different models on the court before purchasing one through the venue.
That hands-on approach could be especially valuable for beginners, recreational players and older athletes who may be looking for a paddle that is comfortable, easy to maneuver and appropriate for their playing style.
“Growing pickleball means providing players an experience that makes them want to keep playing,” said Ron Saslow, founder and managing partner of Thirty-5 Capital, which manages Paddletek Group. “The right equipment is a big part of that experience.”
Professional Clinics and Exhibitions Planned
The partnership will extend beyond equipment demos and retail sales.
Team Paddletek athletes are expected to visit select Chicken N Pickle locations throughout the year for instructional clinics, exhibitions, product demonstrations and community events.
Paddletek’s professional roster includes Christian Alshon, JW Johnson, Jorja Johnson, Tyra Black, Zane Navratil, Riley Newman and Connor Garnett, along with other established and emerging professional players.
Participating athletes, locations and registration information will be announced as individual events are finalized.
For recreational and senior players, these appearances could provide valuable opportunities to receive instruction, observe professional techniques and learn more about selecting equipment for control, power, consistency and comfort.
Partnership Launching in Kansas City
Paddletek and Chicken N Pickle plan to officially launch the partnership with a celebration in Kansas City in September. The specific date, venue, participating athletes and event schedule will be announced separately.
The companies also plan to release a co-branded paddle later in 2026. Product specifications, pricing and availability have not yet been revealed.
“Chicken N Pickle has always been about bringing people together through great food, great experiences and the joy of play,” Chicken N Pickle President Kelli Alldredge said. “This partnership gives our guests another way to discover the game, connect with each other and keep playing.”
The collaboration was developed with Integrity 9, a sports and entertainment marketing company specializing in research, analytics, brand development and strategic partnerships.
A Growing Presence in Pickleball
Paddletek is one of the sport’s original performance-paddle manufacturers, producing equipment for recreational players and professional competitors.
The Chicken N Pickle agreement follows several recent growth initiatives for the brand, including the formation of Paddletek Group in 2025 and its acquisition of performance paddle company PIKKL.
Chicken N Pickle combines pickleball courts with a casual restaurant, bar and indoor and outdoor games. Its venues are designed to appeal to experienced players, newcomers, families and social groups.
By placing demo equipment inside an active pickleball environment, the partnership gives players a practical way to evaluate paddles where it matters most—on the court.
For more information, visit Paddletek or Chicken N Pickle.
Source: Paddletek Group press release, Aug. 13, 2026.
Related External Links:
Stay tuned to Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report for the latest pickleball news, equipment updates, player stories and developments from across the sport.