Carmel, Ind. (September 5, 2024) — The Kitchen at Pickle On Penn, “The Kitchen”, a public-facing restaurant and bar on the second floor of the Pickle On Penn club, opened its doors in Carmel on September 3.
The highly anticipated 90-seat restaurant was designed with a modern and sporty flare creating an open and welcoming atmosphere where both pickleball enthusiasts and those simply looking to enjoy a great meal feel welcome. Conveniently located along the border of Marion and Hamilton counties, The Kitchen brings modern American cuisine to a historically business-laden corridor in need of more dining options.
Led by locally renowned executive chef Carlesa Smith, with culinary development and oversight from former Bridgewater Club Food and Beverage Manager Angie Williams, the menu features classic American dishes with a modern nod to the sport of pickleball. An open-concept dining room is anchored by a full-service bar and expansive picture windows flank both ends of the dining room providing a unique view of the courts at Pickle On Penn below.
“We’re excited to bring a never-before-seen concept to the heart of Carmel,” Williams said. “We hope people will stop for lunch during their workday and then want to come back with their family for dinner or to watch the next big game with friends. From the diverse menu and extensive beer and wine selection to the artfully crafted cocktails and engaging pickleball play below, we want diners to walk away feeling energized with a renewed excitement for living well.”
A nod to the sport, The Kitchen is affectionately named after the non-volley zone on either side of the net on a pickleball court. Below the restaurant is Pickle On Penn, a private pickleball country club offering members the luxury of year-round play and unparalleled access to coaching professionals. Opening The Kitchen to the public is part of the club’s plan to create a connected and engaged community and to introduce the country’s fastest-growing sport to new people. Director of Pickleball and head teaching professional Ryan Atkinson, PharmD, MBA, PPR, is responsible for fostering the programming and membership experience at Pickle On Penn and works closely with The Kitchen team to coordinate special events and integrated experiences.
We provide a truly unique private event experience by partnering with The Kitchen,” says Atkinson. “Whether you’re a member or not, we welcome you to host your next corporate gathering, family reunion, bachelor party, or girls’ night with us. Enjoy exclusive access to our top-of-the-line pickleball courts, a full-service bar, and customizable all-inclusive catering packages. Together, The Kitchen and Pickle On Penn offer the perfect combination of food, fun, and unforgettable memories.”