Nov. 20. Local Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists Jack and Robin Salzman plan to build a pickleball, restaurant, café and Top Golf complex on a 6.3 acre site on Chartown Drive south of Life Fellowship Church fronting I-77 in Cornelius.

The independent recreation amenity will feature semi-private pickleball, a restaurant, a café and community non-profit concept featuring 16 pickleball courts and four Top Golf simulator suites.

Opening in a year

When completed in the fourth quarter of next year, Serve Pickleball + Kitchen will employ 50 people.

The 65,000 square foot project will include 45,000 square feet of multipurpose indoor space as well as 25,000 square feet of outdoor recreation space for dining, drinks and community interaction.

The Salzmans, former 20-year owners of Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, said Serve Pickleball + Kitchen will include a community room that will host up to 50 people for private events as well as four Top Golf Swing Suites powered by Full Swing.

Groundbreaking

Groundbreaking is expected to take place in mid- to late-march, after gaining necessary approvals.

Total investment: $15 million.

The Salzmans said partnering with Top Golf brings the most iconic courses in golf and is the officially licensed simulator of the PGA tour. The Full Swing simulator also provides High Heat Pitching, QB Challenge, Soccer and Hockey.

Serve Pickleball + Kitchen targets a growing demand for pickleball in an area where access to courts is a concern for active players.

Background

With more than 4.8 million participants nationwide, and a growth of 39.3 percent over the last two years, pickleball officially became the fastest-growing sport in America for the second year in a row, according to The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) 2022 Sports, Fitness, and Leisure Activities Topline Participation Report.

Memberships

The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen will offer a limited number of memberships and create a hub for residents and visitors alike. Residents and visitors can expect to see numerous community-focused charity events each month as well.

The general contractor for the project is Spectrum Building Co. and the architect is Praxis3. Larry Shaheen is the developer.