The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen, a brand-new pickleball development with several food and drink options, is getting ready to debut in Cornelius.
The new $15-plus million project is the latest from DB Entertainment Real Estate Management, owned by Jack and Robin Salzman. The two are seeking rezoning approval for a 6.39-acre vacant parcel at 20220 Chartown Drive, according to Charlotte Business Journal. The proposal goes before the architecture review board tomorrow before heading to the planning board on March 11. A final vote from the board could come on April 1.
If everything is approved, The Salzmans plan to open a 51,086-square-foot facility featuring 16 pickleball courts (including six outdoor courts), a restaurant, café, bar, and lounge. Jack tells What Now Charlotte that while the restaurant, bar, and café are being created separately, this will be an open space, and the bar will feature an indoor/ outdoor aspect.
Customers can expect a polished casual restaurant with a menu that will appeal to a wide range of guests. The café, on the other hand, will offer a variety of coffee drinks and pastries as well as protein shakes and breakfast sandwiches in the morning and coffee, tea, and other snacks throughout the day. Finally, the bar will feature amazing craft cocktails and an extensive beer and wine list.
“We believe people want to be social and be entertained,” Jack tells What Now Charlotte in an email. “Just going out to dinner will not be as exciting as spending time at The Serve!”
On top of having plenty of food and drink options, there will also be a pro shop on site, as well as professional pickleball instructors to hold camps and lessons. The Salzmans are also planning to move the headquarters of their charity, Giving with Grace, to the development. The meeting room will be available for philanthropic and community uses or rented out for events or corporate gatherings.
For those worried about having so much going on around them, the indoor pickleball courts will be closed so players can focus on having fun without hearing any noise or food being prepared. There is a moving target opening date based on the Town of Cornelius’ approval and when Mecklenburg County issues permits, but Jack says they hope to be open in early 2025.
