BOX PICKLEBALL CONTAINER BAR & KITCHEN

About

A new, state-of-the-art indoor pickleball club has opened in the old Kmart space in Riverhead. After several years of work on the space and the installation of new plumbing and heating and retractable garage doors, Box Pickleball Container Bar & Kitchen debuted in December. The "container" in the name refers to several large, refurbished shipping containers found inside the club, used to create offices, a front desk, a pro shop and a restaurant and full bar within the warehouse space, according to owner Peter Bachmore. Nine pickleball courts, as well as courts for bocce and cornhole, stand ready to welcome those eager to play this fast-growing sport, which has exploded in popularity in the past few years. The club offers private, semi-private and group lessons, as well as adult clinics every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. at an introductory rate of $25 per hour. Non-members are welcome to reserve courts starting at $40 an hour and sign up for open sessions for $30 per player. Annual memberships are $120 and offer discounts and priority bookings. Lifetime memberships are available as well. The club's restaurant and full bar is run by Justin Tempelman, owner of JT's Cafe in Blue Point and a veteran chef. The menu offers soups, salads, smash burgers and a Sunday brunch, and is open Thursday through Sunday. Box Pickleball Container & Bar is open Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. The club has leagues that started in February and plans to host fundraisers and tournaments for the community, as well as offering sponsorship opportunities for local businesses.