Dill Dinker’s Pickleball, co-founded by Denise Richards and her husband Will, emerged from an unexpected but fortuitous shift in their lives. Like many others during the pandemic, the couple searched for ways to stay active and connected while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
After nearly two decades in outside sales, Denise discovered pickleball and quickly fell in love with the game. This passion ultimately laid the foundation for a thriving business that would soon expand nationwide.
It all began when Denise and Will decided they needed an outdoor activity to combat the isolation of lockdown life. They purchased a set of pickleball paddles and headed to the court, where they found a new sport and a close-knit community of fellow players.
“We started making all these friends, and it felt like we were having the time of our lives,” Denise recalls. But as colder weather set in, outdoor play became difficult, and court availability dwindled. Here’s a pull quote from Denise Richards about their experience with outdoor pickleball and how it inspired Dill Dinkers.
“Once we hit the fall and winter, we were spending most of our time cleaning leaves off the court or ice and snow and rain. We had less play time… We were super frustrated.”
The couple ventured to an indoor pickleball facility in Pennsylvania, where they saw firsthand the sport’s popularity despite the location’s lack of basic amenities like heating and restrooms. The experience sparked an idea: they could create a better indoor pickleball experience that served the growing demand.
From Concept to Creation: The Birth of Dill Dinker’s
The first Dill Dinker’s Pickleball location opened in Columbia, Md. It was an instant success, drawing pickleball enthusiasts from the surrounding area. Denise attributes the success not just to the popularity of the sport, but to the community that was fostered at their facility. “It’s not just about pickleball—it’s about bringing people together,” she explains. “We wanted to create a space where everyone, from beginners to advanced players, could feel welcome and connected.”
As the business took off, Will’s entrepreneurial vision led them to think bigger. Instead of stopping at one location, the couple expanded through franchising. They began selling franchise regions across the country.
For every million people in a region, they would open up to 20 pickleball locations. This rapid expansion was driven by the success of their first few locations and the sport’s growing popularity. But the expansion wouldn’t have been possible without the help of their close-knit pickleball community.
Friendship Turns into Partnership
Denise and Will’s pickleball friends, the people they met on the court during the pandemic, became crucial to their business in more ways than one. Not only did these friends share in the couple’s passion for pickleball, but they also believed in the vision for Dill Dinker’s.
Many of these friends became early investors in the business, providing the financial backing needed to open their first few locations. “We were so lucky to have them and their interest,” Denise says. “A lot of them even work for us now, which is pretty cool.”
The sense of community formed during their pickleball games translated into the foundation of their business. Their friends, who had witnessed the couple’s passion for the game, were eager to be part of the growing venture. Their investment allowed Dill Dinker’s to open its doors, paving the way for the eventual expansion into 400 contracted locations nationwide.
Manassas Mall: The Latest Addition to the Dill Dinker’s Family
One of the newest locations in Dill Dinker’s expanding empire is at the Manassas Mall, 8300 Sudley Road near Manassas. This location continues the couple’s mission of creating a welcoming, inclusive space for pickleball players of all skill levels.
The Manassas location offers indoor courts, allowing players to enjoy the sport year-round, regardless of weather conditions. It aims to be a central hub for the local pickleball community, bringing people together for games, tournaments, and events.
“The most rewarding aspect of running Dill Dinker’s is seeing how it brings people together,” Denise explains. “It’s good for the mind, body, and spirit. It’s a safe space where everyone is welcome, and that’s what we’re most proud of.”
The new Dill Dinker’s location at Manassas Mall boasts an array of amenities designed to enhance the pickleball experience for players of all levels. The facility features six indoor courts with outdoor-style fencing, providing the feel of outdoor play year-round.
Large bathrooms with ample space for changing make it convenient for players to freshen up before or after games. Members can enjoy free access to the ball machine, while visitors can rent it for a fee, perfect for solo practice sessions. Dill Dinker’s also offers leagues for all skill levels, allowing players to improve their game and meet new people in a competitive yet friendly environment.
Court reservations are easy with their state-of-the-art online system, which allows players to book courts at their convenience. The Manassas location also features a dedicated event space that can accommodate over 50 guests, making it ideal for birthday parties, team-building events, or corporate functions.
Additionally, the on-site pro shop is stocked with paddles, clothing, and accessories to ensure players have everything they need to stay comfortable and enhance their performance on the court. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, Dill Dinker’s in Manassas has the amenities to elevate your pickleball experience.
