Pickelball Franchise Picklr takes the chocolate space of Theo – Seattlemag

The iconic place of Theo’s chocolate in Fremont will not remain free long. It will soon become the home of a tournament complex.

Picklr, based on a Utah franchise of pickball chains, will open in a space of 27,000 square feet this fall. Theo has recently announced that it will close both its lead store Fremont and another on Bellevue February 16th. The popular 20-year-old chocolate in Seattle will continue to sell online and at selected retailers.

The fast -growing Picklr operates more than 475 seats in the United States, planning to double that are reported in the coming years. Picklr Fremont will include 10 vessels, a professional store and private space for events. Members can play at any Picklr Club across the country.

Picklr Fremont owner Rajiv Hatri calls the club shift club for the neighborhood.

“As the birthplace of Pickelball, Washington occupies a special place in the history of sports,” Hatri says. “Picklr is not just a place to play. This is where the Fremont Pickball Community will flourish. “

The Seattle area is home to about 250 tournament courts, both outdoors and in community centers. Very double as tennis courts. Pickball restaurant, Picklewood, will be opened in the Sodo neighborhood this summer. It will include seven closed courts, four illuminated exterior courts, an outdoor beer garden, a gain shop and a restaurant and a bar.

Pickleball was invented in Washington State 60 years ago. Former governor Jay Isley has signed the legislation that Pickelball is making – a cross between tennis and Ping Pong – the official state sport three years ago.