The Pickle Lodge Expands in Cincinnati, Acquires ACES Pickleball Facility

The Cincinnati-based pickleball operator will take over the ACES Pickleball Bar & Grill at Factory 52 in Norwood.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented pickleball court and players, with overlapping planes of deep blue, forest green, and burnt orange, conveying the dynamic and expanding nature of the sport in Cincinnati.The Pickle Lodge's acquisition of the ACES Pickleball facility signals the sport's growing prominence in the Cincinnati region.Cincinnati Today

The Pickle Lodge, a Cincinnati-based pickleball operator, has announced it will assume control of the ACES Pickleball Bar & Grill facility at Factory 52 in Norwood, Ohio, effective June 1. The site includes indoor and outdoor courts, a restaurant and bar, and over 25,000 square feet of outdoor space. As part of the transition, the location will continue offering open play, leagues, and instruction while integrating into The Pickle Lodge's programming.

Why it matters

Pickleball has seen rapid growth in the Cincinnati area over the past few years, and this acquisition allows The Pickle Lodge to expand its footprint and elevate the player experience at the Factory 52 location. The move also brings a new food option, with Two Cities Pizza opening its fourth location at the site.

The details

The Pickle Lodge currently operates 40 courts across two locations and hosts leagues, tournaments, and community events. Under the transition, the Factory 52 location will continue offering open play, leagues, and instruction while integrating into The Pickle Lodge's programming. Two Cities Pizza, known for Chicago- and New York-style pies, will also open a fourth location at Factory 52 as part of the change.

  • The Pickle Lodge will assume control of the ACES Pickleball Bar & Grill facility on June 1, 2026.

The players

The Pickle Lodge

A Cincinnati-based pickleball operator that currently runs 40 courts across two locations and hosts leagues, tournaments, and community events.

ACES Pickleball Bar & Grill

A pickleball facility located within the Factory 52 mixed-use development in Norwood, Ohio, which includes indoor and outdoor courts, a restaurant and bar, and over 25,000 square feet of outdoor space.

Factory 52

A mixed-use development in Norwood, Ohio, where the ACES Pickleball Bar & Grill facility is located.

Two Cities Pizza

A pizza restaurant known for Chicago- and New York-style pies, which will open its fourth location at the Factory 52 site.

Mitch Dunn

Cofounder of The Pickle Lodge.

Joe Frank

Cofounder of The Pickle Lodge.

Sean Spurlock

Cofounder of Two Cities Pizza.

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What they’re saying

“This is a strategic expansion for us. Pickleball in Cincinnati has grown rapidly over the last few years.”

— Mitch Dunn, Cofounder, The Pickle Lodge

“Our goal is to elevate the player experience while preserving the community that already exists at ACES.”

— Joe Frank, Cofounder, The Pickle Lodge

“We couldn't be more excited to bring Two Cities to Factory 52.”

— Sean Spurlock, Cofounder, Two Cities Pizza

What’s next

The Pickle Lodge plans to continue expanding its footprint in the Cincinnati region, with the ACES acquisition being just the first step in their broader growth strategy.

The takeaway

The Pickle Lodge's acquisition of the ACES Pickleball Bar & Grill facility at Factory 52 highlights the surging popularity of pickleball in the Cincinnati area and the company's ambition to become a dominant player in the local market. The move also brings a new dining option in the form of a Two Cities Pizza location, further enhancing the amenities available at the mixed-use development.