No one could ever say that Leslie Koegler is in a pickle.

There’s nothing indecisive about Koegler, who is building a pickleball court and tap house  in southeast Bend. Calling it Ballers & Brews, she hopes to have it completed on NE Brinson Boulevard and NE 18th Street by the middle of September.

“There’s an amazing amount of food here for the size of this town,” Koegler said. “I dabbled in pickleball and I loved it. I am not a great athlete, but I am competitive. I realized it was fun.” 

Koegler decided she’d take her business acumen and build a heated, rooftop pickleball court and taphouse for those who are not in a league and just want to play and combine it with food carts and a taphouse. The project is solely self-funded.

“I wanted a space for families to come and for friends to meet,” Koegler said. “And (I) decided to build a space for family or meet friends for brunch on Sunday morning or to just hang out.

“Pickleball is so popular in Bend. The courts are always full here. As an average player, the spaces are so competitive, and not really available for average players. I believe there’s room here in our community to have things like this.” 

It’s a risk, but it’s a calculated one as she feels will be successful because she’s combining craft beverages and pickleball .It’s a niche that hasn’t been filled yet in Bend, which is known for its outdoor attractions and youthful community of enthusiasts for all kinds of sports.  

Pickleball is a court sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. Players use a paddle and plastic ball with holes. It is the fastest- growing sport in America for the past three years, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.  

Knowing your market is a a key component to being a successful business, said James Darcey, Small Business Administration Score Central Oregon Chapter chairman. 

Koegler has an aptitude for business, said Cyrus Mooney, city of Bend, business advocate.  Koegler also owns KDE Direct, a drone component manufacturing business.

“ I will say that she has a knack for making profitable investments and creating job growth,” Mooney said. “Having more amenities on the east side of town could also be a draw for industrial expansions and employees in the area. I will say that having multiple different recreation options on the same site is not as common, so could be a differentiating factor.” 

Ballers & Brews will have a 2,500-square-foot tap house featuring 20 beers on tap, mocktails, cocktails and wines, Koegler said. There are plans for TVs and outdoor fire pits. On the roof will be a 750-square-foot covered heated rooftop deck for private events and gatherings. 

And having pickleball courts that  are also heated for year-round play, she said. It will be open to anyone and will be available on a reservation system for a fee.

In addition Koegler plans to have six food carts. So far she’s selected three, but declined to identify them.

“I am taking my time on the other food carts,” Koegler said. “I want everyone to be as passionate as I am about this project. I want operators who serve high quality food and have a desire to make this a cohesive space and share my vision.”