Established
2018
Franchise Units
2
Minimum Investment
$2,500,000
Franchise Fee
$60,000
Total Investment Range
$4,500,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Smash Park franchise represents the next evolution of competitive social entertainment in the United States. Blending high-energy indoor and outdoor games with a full-service restaurant and bar, Smash Park has carved out a powerful niche where food, drinks, sports, and social interaction come together under one roof.
Unlike traditional entertainment venues that rely on a single attraction, Smash Park delivers a multi-experience destination. Guests can play pickleball, axe throwing, yard games, arcade-style challenges, and interactive social games while enjoying chef-driven food, craft cocktails, and a vibrant sports-bar atmosphere. This diversified model keeps dwell times high, encourages group visits, and drives repeat traffic across multiple dayparts.
Positioned at the intersection of eatertainment, sports entertainment, and casual dining, Smash Park appeals to a broad demographic—young professionals, corporate groups, families, and social leagues—making it resilient to seasonal shifts and economic cycles. For franchise investors, the brand offers a scalable, experience-driven concept designed for large markets and high-traffic suburban entertainment corridors across the USA.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Smash Park stands out in the fast-growing experiential dining sector for several compelling reasons:
• Multiple revenue streams including food, alcohol, games, leagues, and events
• Strong social engagement driven by pickleball and interactive group games
• Higher-than-average check sizes due to full-service dining and bar programs
• All-weather concept with indoor and covered outdoor play areas
• Consistent group bookings from parties, leagues, and corporate events
• Strong alignment with current consumer demand for experience-based entertainment
Background
Established Year: 2018
Founders: Smash Park was founded by Brett Heimbach, a former professional athlete and entrepreneur.
Franchise Active Units : 2
Brand Journey & Company History:
The first Smash Park location opened in Iowa, built around the growing popularity of pickleball and social sports. The concept quickly gained traction as a destination that combined competitive play with elevated food and beverage offerings. As demand increased, the brand expanded into larger markets, refining operations, venue design, and systems to support franchising and multi-unit growth.
Ownership & Market Presence:
Smash Park operates a growing mix of company-owned and franchised locations across the United States, with continued expansion planned in high-growth suburban and metro areas.
Industry Category:
• Competitive Social Entertainment
• Eatertainment
• Casual Dining and Sports Bar
Support Training
Smash Park offers comprehensive franchise support covering every phase of ownership.
Pre-Launch Support:
• Market analysis and site selection guidance
• Lease negotiation support and landlord coordination
• Venue layout, design standards, and construction guidance
• Equipment sourcing and supplier coordination
Training & Operations:
• Structured initial training for owners and leadership teams
• Kitchen, bar, and game operations training
• Hiring systems, staff onboarding, and service standards
• Safety, compliance, and risk management procedures
Marketing & Brand Support:
• Grand opening planning and launch marketing strategy
• Access to national branding assets and campaigns
• Digital marketing frameworks and local store marketing tools
• Community engagement and league-building strategies
Ongoing Support:
• Dedicated franchise business consultants
• Performance tracking and operational benchmarking
• Menu updates, promotions, and brand innovations
• Continuous system improvements and best-practice sharing
Ideal Candidate
Smash Park is well suited for experienced operators and well-capitalized investors who thrive in high-energy hospitality environments.
Ideal Candidates:
• Multi-unit franchise owners
• Hospitality, restaurant, or entertainment operators
• Investor groups or partnerships with operational depth
• Entrepreneurs with strong leadership and people-management skills
Key Attributes:
• Passion for guest experience and community engagement
• Ability to manage large teams and complex operations
• Comfort with food service, alcohol programs, and events
• Financial capacity to develop and operate a large-format venue
Preferred Locations:
High-income suburban markets, lifestyle centers, mixed-use developments, and entertainment districts with strong evening and weekend traffic.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | ~$60,000 |
| Total Investment Range | ~$2.5 million – $4.5 million |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | ~$750,000+ |
| Net Worth Requirement | ~$2 million+ |
| Franchise Units Available | Single-unit and multi-unit development |
| Real Estate & Build-Out Costs | Large-format venue construction, courts, games, kitchen, bar, seating, AV |
| Equipment & Fixtures | Pickleball courts, gaming installations, kitchen & bar equipment |
| Initial Marketing / Grand Opening | Required (market-dependent budget) |
| Working Capital | 3–6 months recommended |
| Royalty Fee | Ongoing royalty applies (industry-standard structure) |
| Brand / Marketing Fee | Ongoing contribution required |
| Expected ROI | Market and execution dependent |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | ~24–36 months |
| Franchise Active Units | 2 locations operating in the USA |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Food & beverage, pickleball courts, leagues, events, alcohol sales |
