Glendale, AZ

Calling all pickleball lovers! Chicken N Pickle, a restaurant and entertainment complex that offers pickleball courts and rotisserie chicken, is about to open its first Arizona location.

The new Chicken N Pickle in Glendale aims to create a fun and inclusive family-friendly atmosphere for all ages and abilities. It has 11 pickleball courts, a wide range of indoor and outdoor games, bars, dining and lounge areas.

Whether you are in a competitive mood, you want to unwind and catch up with friends or are in need of a fun family day, there is something for everyone.

Here is what you can expect at the new Chicken N Pickle location in Glendale.

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Who is the founder of Chicken N Pickle?

The concept behind Chicken N Pickle is to provide a family-friendly environment for fun, games and food. Founder Dave Johnson was introduced to pickleball while visiting friends in Phoenix.

“Dave came back to Kansas City and had his team start looking into what it would take to create this pickleball entertainment complex where there was great rotisserie chicken and the game of pickleball,” said Carrie Bartlow, the company's director of marketing.

“He has a favorite chicken restaurant, called Chicken! Chicken! in the Grand Caymans, and so he was combining food that he loved with a sport that he was falling in love with and thus began the first Chicken N Pickle.”

The first Chicken N Pickle location opened in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2016. Today there are Chicken N Pickle locations in eight states.

“He really saw just the social impact of the game,” said CEO Brad Clarke. “So from all ages, all types, not just athletes but socially of what the game meant and really felt like if you could put that in a restaurant environment, it would just create this atmosphere of fun and connection.”

Where is Chicken N Pickle in Glendale?

Chicken N Pickle is at 9330 W. Hanna Lane, Glendale, in the Westgate Entertainment District. The website is chickennpickle.com.

When does the Glendale Chicken N Pickle open?

Chicken N Pickle in Glendale officially opens on Tuesday, Aug. 8. It will be open daily. Here are the hours:

What can people expect at Chicken N Pickle?

Chicken N Pickle aims for a cool backyard vibe. There are 11 pickleball courts — six outside and five inside — as well cornhole, Ping-Pong and life-size Battleship games. There's lots of patio seating, lounge chairs and tables.

How much does it cost to play pickleball at Chicken N Pickle?

You can reserve courts and gear at www.reservecnp.com/glendale-az. Open play is offered if courts are available. Here are the prices:

What's on the Chicken N Pickle menu?

Chicken is king, obviously. Rotisserie chicken is served with a flour tortilla, avocado, serrano pepper and your choice of seasonings and sauces. The most popular menu item is NKC Hot Chicken, a classic fried chicken sandwich with your choice of sides.

The menu also includes brunch, shareable plates, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Order from the indoor cashier and then grab a table in one of the indoor or outdoor dining spaces.

“Rotisserie chicken is certainly our anchor. Our food is one of the separating factors of our business. So we are scratch and we are chef-driven menu and people are just blown away that you can order in a fast-casual setting,” Clarke said.

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What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a described as a mix of badminton and Ping-Pong, played on a court similar to a tennis court but smaller.

It has ballooned in popularity in recent years due to its simplicity and accessibility. Phoenix even has a professional pickleball team, the AZ Drive, co-owned by Phoenix Sun Devin Booker, former Arizona Cardinal Larry Fitzgerald and country music star Dierks Bentley.

“The simplicity of it, it's a paddle with a ball and there's no real training involved with it,” said Clarke. “Literally a beginner can pick up a paddle and a ball and just have fun and the game can be as competitive as you would like it to be."

The equipment used in pickleball includes a perforated plastic ball, similar to a Wiffle ball, and solid paddles. The paddles are larger than Ping-Pong paddles but smaller than tennis racquets.

The rules of pickleball are relatively simple. The game starts with a serve, and the ball must bounce once on the receiving side before a player can hit it back. Once the ball has bounced one time on each side, players can hit it out of the air or play it on the bounce. Games typically go to 11 points, with the winner winning by at least two points.

Ultimate guide to pickleball in Phoenix:Here's everything you need to know to get started

Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

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Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps, who has been an outspoken critic of how the Arizona Coyotes handled their tenure at the Westgate Entertainment District, told The Arizona Republic he thought Tempe voters would have approved the deal for a new arena and entertainment district there but the project would have never been built.

"I want to acknowledge that I come from a position of bias and a position of experience. I've always questioned the ability for the team that was put in place, the development team, to deliver on such a complex, high intensity-development, especially as the financial market changed dramatically," he said Wednesday.

Phelps and other Glendale city officials reacted to the news that Tempe voters rejected three ballot items Tuesday that would have allowed the professional hockey team to build its project near Tempe Town Lake.

The voters' decision comes almost two years after the Coyotes submitted their new arena proposal, and Glendale announced it wouldn't renew the team's lease at what was known as Gila River Arena at the time.

The National Hockey League team and Glendale had a tumultuous 20-plus-year relationship that ended on a bad note when the team's lease expired last summer.

Unofficial results of Tuesday night's tally show Tempe's three ballot measures losing by a 12- to 14-point-margin, throwing doubt at what the Coyotes' future holds.

Tempe-Coyotes election recap:What happened, what's next for city after massive loss?

Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers said he holds no ill will toward the Coyotes and would love to see the team staying in Arizona.

"Maybe there is an opportunity to go into Phoenix, originally back where they (the Coyotes) started," he said. "But if not, things always seem to have a way of working out. "

The mayor wished the NHL team "the best of luck."

Glendale Vice Mayor Joyce Clark, who was a strong critic of the development, shared a copy of a blog post she published on her personal site, saying she was glad the "saga is over."

"My concern was that Tempe was about to be caught up in the drama of a financial maelstrom just as Glendale had been. When ordinary people, like me, are struggling to pay bills and are worrying about another recession it wasn’t the right time to ask for any kind of financial breaks for yet another sports team," Clark's post read.

Clark also congratulated Tempe 1st, a grassroots organization that ran the opposition campaign, saying that "their good, old-fashioned door-knocking and getting-the-facts-out was the key to their success" even after being outspent by the Coyotes' campaign.

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The team already conceded defeat after its Political Action Committee, Tempe Wins, had reportedly raised $224,000 by the start of 2023 — all from a single donation made by Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo's Bluebird development company.

Coyotes CEO Xavier Gutierrez issued a statement expressing disappointment over the election results.

"While we wanted a different outcome, we remain grateful to all those who volunteered their time and talent. What is next for the franchise will be evaluated by our owners and the National Hockey League over the coming weeks," he said.

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Ray Malnar, a Glendale council member, said he was happy to see the democratic process worked and that all parties can now move on.

"I would not have been surprised with either outcome. I wish the best to both the city and the Coyotes," he said in a written statement to The Republic.

Glendale Councilmembers Bart Turner, Lauren Tolmachoff and Ian Hugh did not respond to The Republic's requests for comment. Councilmember Jamie Aldama declined to comment.

City watchdog reporter for Scottsdale and Tempe Sam Kmack contributed to this article.

ViaWest Group, a leading Phoenix-based developer, and Willmeng Construction, a renowned construction company, celebrated the official start of construction for The Base, Phase I in Glendale. This groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of the development of a state-of-the-art, 144-acre industrial campus in Glendale, one of the next major commerce parks in the West Valley. The Base is extremely well-located southeast of Luke Air Force Base, just west of Litchfield Road at Bethany Home Road.

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The Base will be developed in two phases by ViaWest Group. Phase 1 will encompass seven buildings spanning a total of 1,182,877 square feet. These buildings will range in size from 85,000 SF to 309,000 SF with divisibility down to approximately 20,000 SF. Phase 2 is proposed to include eight additional buildings, totaling 780,600 SF and ranging in size from 41,000 SF to 141,000 SF. DLR Group is the architect, Kimley-Horn is the civil engineer, and CBRE will be the leasing team on both phases.

Equity Financing was secured by Cushman & Wakefield’s National Industrial Advisory Group – Mountain West, Will Strong, Kirk Kuller and Molly Hunt, and Cushman & Wakefield’s Equity, Debt & Structured Finance team, John Alascio and TJ Sullivan. Phase 1 is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Prominently featuring modern architectural designs, The Base will offer a host of impressive features including heavy power, ESFR sprinkler systems, a combination of dock-high and grade-level loading, concrete truck courts, ample car parking, and R-38 insulation. With clear heights varying between 28 feet and 36 feet, the property is designed to meet tenant demand, both large and small, and the diverse needs of an array of industries.

Steven Schwarz, Founding Partner of ViaWest Group, commented, “We are excited about expanding our industrial presence in Glendale. This modern and strategically located industrial campus will meet the growing demands of businesses in the West Valley and Glendale and provide ample opportunities for economic growth and development in the region. The size of our buildings in a true industrial campus is a unique offering in the market.” Cushman’s Vice Chair, Will Strong, also commented, “The Base is a special opportunistic investment opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for industrial in the West Valley, ViaWest is a leader in the market and has made a significant impact on the industrial landscape in Phoenix. We are excited to partner with them on this deal and support growth in the City of Glendale.”

“The Base is a major investment in our community, and I have absolute confidence it will bring incredible opportunities for job creation, economic growth, and prosperity for the City of Glendale,” said Glendale Mayor, Jerry P. Weiers. “This new industrial commercial site will attract businesses from various sectors, boosting our local economy and driving innovation. Their dedication to the safety of one of our major assets in Luke Air Force base, makes them the perfect partner for this project.”

“The reality is a lot of groups aren’t moving forward on projects like this because they lack the right team, the right details and the confidence to get it done, so my hat’s off to Steven and the ViaWest Group team,” said Willmeng CEO James Murphy. “I know we have all of the confidence in the world in this team and we’ve had great successes with them in this market through the years.”

Leading the marketing and leasing for The Base is the CBRE team of Mark Krison and Luke Krison. This same team facilitated the acquisition of the land for The Base in October of 2022 and January 2023. Luke Krison remarked, “THE BASE represents the coming together of all the right dynamics. Two factors that set THE BASE apart from other projects within the submarket is its proximity to robust retail amenities and the thoughtful site plan design. There is a major lack of supply and a tremendous amount of user demand for the size of buildings that Phase I at The Base will deliver. ViaWest is filling that void in the market and we are excited to be working with such a great developer.”

The site’s strategic location provides easy access to three major freeways, namely the Loop 101 freeway, Interstate 10, and the Loop 303 freeway. This advantageous positioning enables tenants to efficiently serve and reach a population of over 65 million people in California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. The West Valley in Phoenix also offers an abundant labor pool, with approximately 860,000 workers within a 20-mile radius and a total workforce of 2.53 million workers in the greater Phoenix MSA, as reported by Esri.

The Base represents another successful collaboration between ViaWest Group and Willmeng. Recently, Willmeng completed construction on Converge, a 3-building, 510,000 SF industrial park along the I-10 in southeast Phoenix, and is currently wrapping up work on Sight Logistics, a two-building, 355,000 SF industrial park situated just 3 miles north of Converge on the east side of I-10 in Tempe. Additionally, Willmeng is currently engaged with ViaWest in the construction of a new facility for Subzero; a 600,000 SF build-to-suit project in Goodyear.

Need plans this weekend? There are things happening all around the Valley, including a fall festival at Vertuccio Farms, Fear Farm, a solar eclipse viewing party and more.

Anthem

Autumnfest Arts & Crafts Fair

"The Autumnfest Arts & Crafts fair is a festival-goers favorite, and offers all who attend the opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping! Fine arts, crafts, culinary items, hand-made goods and more are offered for sale by vendors from across the state and region."

Glendale

Fear Farm

"Experience the world-famous Fear Farm Haunted Fairgrounds & Corn Maze, Glendale's legendary Halloween event. Halloween lives here!"

Front Porch Festival

"Kick off the Fall season at the Annual Front Porch Festival. Start at the Arizona Information Center for the activity list. Enjoy artisan displays and pop ups, hands on activities, fall themed gift items and much more!"

Celebrate Mesa

"Celebrate Mesa and all it has to offer at this FREE family festival!

Includes live entertainment, Mrs. Pott's Tea Party,AZ Social Axe, face painting, bounce houses, carnival rides and more."

Fall Festival at Vertuccio Farms

"The Fall’s cooler weather in Arizona is a welcome end to summer’s scorching heat. Mesa-based Vertuccio Farms celebrates this time of year by offering ‘Cooler days in the Corn Maze,’ part of the outdoor fun available during the farm’s annual Fall Season Event. As the Valley’s longest-running corn maze celebrating Arizona’s best time of year!"

Scarizona

"Scarizona Scaregrounds is Arizona's premier haunted house event. Featuring haunted attractions recommended for those ages 12 and up, the annual event is a favorite among Valley thrill seekers.

Scarizona 2023 attractions have undergone thematic changes offering visitors new fears to explore throughout the season."

Annular Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Arizona Science Center

"In place of our semi-annual Astronomy Week, Arizona Science Center is packing a week's worth of excitement into one day to watch the Annular Solar Eclipse unfold on October 14! At 7:45 a.m., the Center will open to welcome Arizonans to view one of the rarest astronomical events in our Solar System—complete with FREE special viewing glasses in order to view safely."

Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market

"A hub for supporting farm fresh local food, and small businesses in a vibrant gathering space in Downtown Phoenix."

Queen Creek

Vintage & Vino Fall Market

"Vintage & Vino has morphed into one of the best shopping events with music, food, drinks, wine tasting and of course our famous bucket mimosas.

This market is all about the Holidays, with over 100 local businesses from handmade, antique, vintage, bath and body, jewelry, home decor and everything in between. There is something for anyone and any interest. This is a great place to get your gifts for everyone in the family!"

Scottsdale

Maricopa County Home Show

"The Home & Garden Show features more than 1,000 vendor booths and the BEST deals on home improvement & remodeling, kitchen & bath, home décor, solar, landscape, patio furniture, flooring, outdoor solutions, windows and more. Come see celebrity guests Drew & Jonathan Scott from HGTV’s Property Brothers live for their stage show and meet & greet.

We have something for everyone including local artisan crafters, seminars, wine tasting, tasty food samples, fun shopping booths and make-n-take crafting workshops for adults and children!"

Salt & Lime Fiesta

"Join us for Salt & Lime Fiesta 2023 as we go bigger and more delicious! We’ll have the best taco trucks and food vendors, cold cervezas, live music, exclusive experiences, lucha libre, game zones & so much more!"

Yoga in the Outfield

"Yoga in the Outfield, presented by Athleta, is an intimate fitness event for yogis looking for a unique yoga experience on the outfield grass of Salt River Fields! Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts will participate in a 1-hour class produced by local yoga instructors as well as enjoy a post class cocktail mixer on the Pepsi Patio of beautiful Salt River Fields!"

Surprise

Omnium Circus

"OMNIUM CIRCUS is a world renowned fully inclusive circus company bringing excitement, thrills and joy to people of all ages as only a circus can! Step into a world of all things possible where we discover the power, the passion, and the perseverance of the human spirit within in each of us!"

Sunday at the Park

"A fun evening in the park with live musical performances from RnB Tastins, entertainment for all ages and food trucks to purchase yummy treats and delicious drinks. You can also get some shopping in from local vendors!"

Four Peaks Oktoberfest

"Four Peaks & Tempe Sister Cities invite you to the 2023 Oktoberfest! A weekend full of entertainment for all ages, German food & beers and plenty of Oom Pah Pah!

New additions to the festival include thrilling rides, mesmerizing games and delicious food from key sponsor Frazier Shows, new adorable categories in the Weiner Dog Races including Wheelin’ Weenies, Senior Saunter and Puppy Palooza, the highly anticipated return of the Local Celebrity Brat Eating Contest, Yoga in the Park with Southwest Institute of Healing Arts & Spirit of Yoga and new food vendors including gourmet pretzels from Prop + Pellar Pretzels. "

Worker Power, a community group that advocated against the proposed Coyotes arena and entertainment district in Tempe, is gathering signatures to block the upcoming VAI Resort in Glendale, according to a Monday news release.

The issues raised by Worker Power echo the concerns about the Coyotes development: large property tax breaks and lack of transparency.

“When I canvassed in Tempe about the Coyotes, voters were eager to be the ones making the decision for their city," Shawn Foley, Glendale resident and Worker Power canvasser, shared in a statement. "This is my chance to help my neighbors make their voices heard. Glendale voters are signing the referendum in droves. For most, it's the first time they're hearing about the tax break and they are outraged. Their reactions make sense because the last vote on this development was added to the agenda the day before the meeting, giving us little time to give public comment.”

The VAI Resort is a 60-acre luxury resort near the State Farm Stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals. The resort is receiving a 25-year government property lease excise tax (GPLET) exemption.

“If there is one thing all developers hoping to build in Arizona should know, it’s that Arizona voters believe in fairness. And the unrestrained and unnecessary use of GPLETs is not playing fair,” Brendan Walsh, Worker Power executive director, stated. “If developers want property tax breaks, then voters will want to see that they are getting real community benefits. I see the work we are doing as allowing voters the opportunity to have a say in how the cities they live in are built.”

The new $1 billion destination resort will be the biggest in Arizona with 1,100 rooms, and will be rounded out by four hotel towers, a two-story nightclub, 12 dining establishments, 10 unique bars, a man-made party island, a 5-acre swimming oasis surrounded by white sand beaches, luxury retail, a Spa and Wellness Center, and the world’s first Mattel Adventure Park.

The complex is scheduled to have phased openings in 2024.

The resort broke ground in June of 2021, and will eventually have 1,800 employees.

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