Shuffleboard Shimmies into the 'Eatertainment' Scene: Can it Rival Pickleball's Popularity?

Larks Entertainment is betting big on shuffleboard as the next 'eatertainment' sensation, with plans to open a sprawling 25,000 square feet venue in Fairview Town Center, near U.S. 75. The Southlake-based company is venturing into a market where pickleball has been reigning supreme, to test the waters for shuffleboard's potential success. Slated to open in December, the venue will house a cocktail bar, restaurant, shuffleboard courts, and other nostalgic games, offering a fresh addition to the community's entertainment landscape. The initiative is backed by Woodmont Co., which facilitated the lease negotiation for the space located at 351 Town Place.

The entertainment center is part of Larks Entertainment's broader vision to bring this unique concept to various cities across the U.S., including Nashville, Kansas City, San Antonio, and San Diego, among others. Curt Skallerup, the CEO of Larks, expressed enthusiasm about introducing this concept nationwide, emphasizing its potential to become a cherished community hub. The Fairview venue is one of the many developments in the fast-expanding family entertainment sector in North Texas, which is witnessing the rise of several new pickleball and golf entertainment venues, including Tiger Woods' PopStroke outdoor mini-golf center and the 18-acre Bays Golf Experience and Suites.

As the 'eatertainment' sector grows, with multiple venues under construction or in planning stages, the question remains: will shuffleboard carve out a niche for itself amidst pickleball's soaring popularity? The new venture by Larks Entertainment certainly brings a fresh wave of excitement and a touch of nostalgia, promising a vibrant and immersive entertainment experience. With a rich array of offerings, from shuffleboard courts to nostalgic games, the venue aims to cater to a wide audience, setting the stage for a potential new favorite in the community's entertainment scene.