WHERE YOU FIND YOUR PEOPLE: Pickle & Taps Brings Community, Connection & Fun to the Court
What started with a chance introduction to pickleball at a local park has grown into something much bigger for Pickle & Taps owner Jason Beasley and his wife Kayse. After discovering the sport themselves, they quickly realized that pickleball was about far more than staying active—it was a way to bring people together, build friendships, and create community across generations and backgrounds. That spirit is at the heart of Pickle & Taps, where newcomers can learn the game, seasoned players can compete, and everyone is invited to pick up a paddle and have some fun. With lessons and clinics, social play, leagues, tournaments, private events, local drinks, and plenty of opportunities to give back, Pickle & Taps has created a space where the court is just the beginning. We spoke with Jason Beasley about the inspiration behind Pickle & Taps, the importance of building community, and why there really is a place for everyone here.
What inspired you to create a space where people can play, connect, and find their community?
To sum it up, about three years ago, my wife discovered the game of pickleball at a local park—shoutout to Wayne Bigg and Chrystie Frazier! The following weekend, I was introduced to the game. Together, we quickly found that pickleball was more than just a game. It was a way for us to stay active and, even more importantly, it seemed to bring people together from all ages and walks of life. There’s no doubt that pickleball has allowed us to build a community and a group of friends that we will have for the rest of our lives. That’s what we hope for anyone who comes to play at Pickle & Taps.
For someone who has never picked up a pickleball paddle, what can they expect when they walk through the doors at Pickle & Taps—and what makes it easy to jump right in and have fun?
Great question. First and foremost, pickleball is the fastest-growing recreational sport in the U.S., which means people of all ages are starting to learn and play the game every day. For anyone interested in learning, Pickle & Taps uses the CourtReserve app, allowing players to reserve the training or session that best meets their needs. Pickle & Taps does not require an expensive membership to learn and play. We are a pay-to-play facility, so you can come once a month or five times a week. Pickle & Taps employs a full-time, credentialed Head Pro and Coach, Antoine Hawkins, who offers private lessons, group lessons, and much more Monday through Friday. We also recently hired a part-time credentialed coach, Kim Dekker, who offers private and group lessons on Saturdays. Private and group lessons range from $70 to $100 per session. We also hold an Adult Beginner Clinic every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon for $12 per person. This clinic is led by TJ Hambley and other credentialed coaches who teach the game and its fundamentals in a fun group format. By attending this clinic, beginners also get access to private beginner play groups on our calendar during the week, allowing those new to the game to get acclimated with players at their level.
How do you bring people together through pickleball while also supporting other local businesses and organizations?
Pickleball naturally brings people together who may otherwise never know or meet one another. One of the values here at Pickle & Taps is to “Grow” the love of this amazing sport. We strive to accomplish this by being inclusive, diverse, and reasonably priced, allowing pickleball to become accessible to everyone. In addition, Pickle & Taps hosts corporate team-building events, social club outings, church groups, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and much more. We are a great place to plan an event. Lastly, we support a number of local breweries and snack manufacturers by carrying mostly local selections on tap and on our shelves. This may cost us a bit more, but we feel that giving back to the businesses in the community where we live is very important.
Giving back is one of your core values. Can you tell us about some of the charities or community initiatives Pickle & Taps supports and why that part of the business is important to you?
To accomplish this, we host and run a variety of local charity pickleball tournaments throughout the year. Some of the organizations we have supported include First Fruit Ministries, Surfer’s Healing, New Hanover County Firefighters, Wellness Without Walls, and the NC Children’s Home, just to name a few. These tournaments allow Pickle & Taps to honor our value of “Give Back.”
What does the perfect Pickle & Taps experience look like for someone spending an afternoon or evening with you?
There is something for everyone at Pickle & Taps. For an individual who wants to get active and meet new friends, you will love our group lessons or social play. Pickle & Taps is also the perfect venue to host coworkers, friends, or family for a fun private event. As players become more competent in their game, we host a variety of pickleball leagues, tournaments, and leveled play. It is also worth noting that we are minutes from downtown Wilmington and allow patrons to bring in food or have it catered from all the amazing local restaurants. We offer a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages for anyone looking for their perfect pour.
For more information on Pickle & Taps give them a call on (910) 833-8277
Comments