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Pickleball has sent the nation into a frenzy of friendly competition. One of the courts in Charlotte, North Carolina, took the game to the next level by combining pickleball training with first-class hospitality. Founded in 2021, Rally offers indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, craft cocktails, gourmet dining and a special coffee program.
Yelp Reviewer Megan B she visited Rally to catch up with an old friend over a game of pickleball, but was equally impressed by Rally’s lounges and on-court staff.
“The atmosphere is immaculate, with beautiful decor, comfortable couches, beach cabanas and stylish gadgets,” says Megan. “The food is also very tasty and well prepared. I came here for the pickle, but I would come if I just wanted a bite to eat and some live entertainment while others were playing.”
Surprising people from an unforgettable experience in accordance with owners Barrett Worthington and Meg Charity, that is what it’s all about. They say recent customers like Megan are often shocked by how Rally elevates the pickleball experience, each on and off the field. While visitors may not expect a gourmet meal when they walk in, when they leave they definitely remember Rally as greater than just a pickleball court.
“That was very intentional in creating this space, which functioned more like a social club or a country club turned upside down,” Worthington says. “We want it to be known [as much] for the food, drinks and atmosphere, just like the pickled ball itself.”
Worthington and Charity’s careful design selections are responsible for much of what sets Rally apart from your average gym or park. Even the courts have flair, painted in shiny turquoise and pink.
“We really deliberately designed the space so that it didn’t feel like a sports facility,” Worthington says. “One of our design inspirations is Hoxtonwhich is a boutique hotel brand. It is known that their lobbies contain spaces where you possibly can come for a drink, meet a friend or work during the day. We knew we wanted this space to feel like this and be a place [where] you can stay and come visit whether you play pickleball or not.
Rally customers clearly appreciate the intentionality of every detail, which in turn inspires them to share it with their networks. Megan, for example, claims that she was forced to do it take a photo and share it on social media and in your review.
“It’s a really beautiful space,” he says. “It’s easy to take photos there. Everywhere you look, you will see something beautiful, whether it’s your cocktail party, outdoor pickleball courts, interior design [or] milk.”
While aesthetics are important, it’s all in service of Rally mission: helping people socialize and connect in a comfortable, safe space. The charity and Worthington are partners in life and business, and were first brought together by their shared interest in tennis. They founded Rally to provide a similar foundation of community for those suffering from what they call “loneliness epidemic“
“We wanted to create that experience for [people in the] People in their 20s and 30s who don’t always have easy opportunities to make friends,” says Worthington. “Sports in general break the ice and help you make friends. Pickleball is just good at it. So we created Rally because we wanted a place where friendships could naturally blossom for ourselves, as well as for anyone else.”
Rally’s mission to foster connection extends to other local businesses. Megan claims she felt the owners’ presence authenticity in their efforts to collaborate and support local artists. “I’m one of those people who thinks, ‘I’m going to support these people because they support other local businesses,’” he says.
As a small company, understanding your “why” is essential to building on successes and keeping your team motivated in difficult times. The Charity and Worthington have spoken openly about the difficulties they have faced strategy planning stage but he said awareness of their mission keeps the company running.
“Not everyone wants to work in a startup environment… [but] people who are still with us understand that it’s not just about marinating and serving great food and drinks,” Worthington says. “We are all here to do something bigger and more meaningful. We want to be a catalyst for connection. We talk a lot about this and what it means [the staff]. I think these days you can only keep a job if you believe in the mission.”
Co-founders too collect proactive feedback from your team to be certain that Rally lives its values for each customers and employees. “We care very much about internal culture,” says Charity. “We start these feedback loops. How can we improve? How can we do better? I’m very committed. I’m there every day. We have an amazing team. They are simply carrying out their mission.”
Feedback is key gaining trust each your employees and customers. For owners, engaging with reviews shows that customers care. “When we ask for feedback, it’s not just about checking a box,” Charity says. “We desperately want the Rally to be the absolute best it can be.”
The founders of Rally redefined the pickleball experience with the following core principles:
- Discover complementary services. While pickleball is Rally’s primary service, food and beverage offerings bring customers backcreating a vibrant social scene that draws gamers and non-gamers alike. It also provides business multiple revenue streams.
- Let your authenticity shine from floor to ceiling. A singular design vision can set you apart from the competition. Plus, having a photo-worthy location provides free, organic marketing and possibly even encourage customer opinions.
- Know your “why”. Never forget why you are in this profession. Support the mission to maintain yourself and your team motivated during difficult times.
- AND feedback cycle it’s a cycle of improvement. Reading and responding to reviews and gathering feedback from your team ensures that your employees and customers feel cared for.
Listen to the episode below to listen to directly from Worthington, Charity and Megan, then subscribe Behind the review for more information from recent business owners and reviewers every Thursday. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts AND Pandora.
Editorial contributions by Erin Palmero and Emily Moon