RELISH FOOD HALL // PICKLEBALL

About

Relish, 550 McCaslin Blvd. in Louisville, celebrated its grand opening June 20 and invited people to explore the 80,000-square-foot pickleball center featuring 19 indoor courts, two outdoor courts, local food spots, conference rooms and plenty of places for people to sit down and work or connect with friends. Relish co-owner Tory Leggat said they set out to create a place that encourages community building, and found that pickleball was a great way to accomplish that. Whether a pickleball aficionado or just someone looking for a coffee and a spot to get some work done, Leggat said anyone and everyone is welcome at Relish. "Above all else, we want everyone to feel like they belong here," Leggat said. One of the challenges in construction was making sure the center did not feel like the buildings former use as a Sam's Club, Leggat said, but instead a warm, welcoming area. From the strategic placement of pickleball courts to create pockets for players to cool down and chat to the many food options, Leggat said anyone can find their place at the center. The pickleball center features eight kitchens filled with a variety of foods from local vendors including Salt and Vinegar, Soupsmith, Sabor y Salsa, and Magic Food Bus from Louisville and Lafayette, plus a cafe, bar, pizza, ice cream, Venezuelan food and Asian cuisine. The indoor courts are cushioned, designed with player joint health in mind, and the facility offers warm-up and cool-down rooms. Relish also hosts free pickleball introduction classes and offers coaching to improve players' games. Owners took measures to ensure noise is blocked from the food hall and outside, with an extra wall built on the adjoining wall to Ascent Church featuring five layers of drywall and insulation, and a thick wall dividing the courts from the food hall.