With an increasing number of pickleball courts opening throughout Malaysia, there is now a necessity to differentiate oneself from the competition via distinctive features.
At
Pickle Space
Aesthetics could very well be the deciding factor.
Featuring Moroccan-themed decor and an extensive dining area onsite, this place serves as more of a lifestyle hub rather than just a sports facility.
It’s not merely an independent venture; rather, it marks a fresh milestone for them.
Oh My Belly
‘S belt. As a Malaysian chain offering contemporary Western cuisine, director Jef Yap told Vulcan Post that Oh My Belly x Pickle Space came about through a blend of personal exploration and astute observation of market tendencies.
“When my team and I initially tried pickleball, we were drawn to its challenging yet fun essence—it’s a game that really grabs your attention,” Jef said.
Not only were they experiencing these feelings, but others felt similarly. It’s clear that pickleball has surged in popularity throughout Malaysia, and being an enterprising individual, Jef spotted the chance to capitalize on this trend.
Meanwhile, a buddy proposed using a warehouse area initially meant for a badminton court. Jef opted to shift gears towards setting up pickleball courts, including an Oh My Belly cafe within the premises.
We were not just aiming to build a sports facility; we sought to develop a lifestyle center where our visitors can relish nutritious and tasty meals along with engaging and sociable activities,” he stated firmly. “The idea is to merge wellness and flavor into an exceptional offering for our community.
More than F&B
Led by the Oh My Belly crew, it took roughly four months to convert the vacant industrial area into its current form. Pickle Space made its debut for the public only a couple of months back, in December.
Achieving the perfect setup for the pickleball courts posed a minor challenge, however. Initially, they encountered an issue as the initial floor material turned out to be too soft; it began cracking and deteriorating after only a few matches.
It required not just one or two, but three stages of refurbishment to select the ideal materials and guarantee a secure, long-lasting finish. Although challenging, the effort proved to be well worth it.
Jef mentioned that Pickle Space draws inspiration from the laid-back, bohemian aesthetics of Bali, a popular destination for digital nomads seeking harmony between their professional and personal lives.
Likewise, Pickle Space aims to be a place where individuals can relax following a match, observe others playing, or enjoy a cup of coffee in a casual setting post-work.
Adjacent to the two pickleball courts lies Oh My Belly’s latest café, offering the familiar menu items beloved by customers from their other locations.
“We’ve maintained consistency to guarantee that our customers receive the quality and flavors they adore, regardless of which outlet they choose,” Jef stated.
He explained that Pickle Space is a separate entity, however both Pickle Space and Oh My Belly come under the oversight of Mads Group.
The director had earlier told Vulcan Post that the group also includes several other brands such as Dodoo Kitchen, Yuan Yuan Tea Style, Giglio, and Moments.
Upon founding Pickle Space, the team is now confidently broadening their focus beyond food and beverage services to encompass a comprehensive lifestyle concept. Rather than merely capitalizing on the pickleball craze, this marks an important step as they transform and expand to attract a wider demographic.
Courting the market
The cost to use the pickleball courts here ranges from RM50 to RM70 per hour. You can rent paddles for RM5 each or buy balls for RM10.
Available daily from 8 AM to midnight, this place aims to accommodate various schedules. However, please remember that these timings apply only during certain days. Specifically, the café operates from 10 AM to 10 PM on Mondays through Wednesdays, and from 9 AM to 10 PM from Thursdays through Sundays.
Compared to other options in the Klang Valley, their operating hours and pricing are quite typical. However, how does Pickle Space plan to distinguish itself among the numerous pickleball venues sprouting up nationwide?
Of course, the increase in pickleball locations presents some difficulties, but we remain unfazed,” Jef stated. “Pickle Space distinguishes itself by merging a high-end cafe atmosphere with our playing areas—athletes can recharge with delicious meals immediately following their games.
In addition, Pickle Space is equipped with air conditioning to maintain a pleasant environment amidst Malaysia’s warmth.
The team thinks their top advantage is what keeps Oh My Belly x Pickle Space outperforming others.
Moreover, they’ve been closely heeding the feedback and added additional netting following concerns that balls might fly into the dining zone.
The worry isn’t just about competing against other pickleball courts; it’s also the fear thatpickleball might be nothing more than a passing fad.
However, Jef remains hopeful, trusting in pickleball’s enduring appeal.
Sport forms an essential aspect of many individuals’ daily routines—be it badminton, swimming, or cycling; once they get involved, these activities become a lasting part of their lives,” he noted. “Similarly, pickleball has established itself as more than just a trend due to its ease of access and engaging social dynamics.
He acknowledges that the cost of renting courts could decrease with additional facilities becoming available, yet he feels confident that the desire for engaging, community-oriented activities will not diminish.
It will remain as a lifestyle option for Malaysians.
Pickle spaces?
After just a few months, Jef notes that the reaction to Pickle Space has been “exactly as expected.”
As per the director, the courts typically have all slots filled, often leading people to stay for a cup of coffee or a meal afterwards. Additionally, some visitors come solely for the café.
We’d like to organize more activities here such as tournaments, gatherings, or company outings to enhance its visibility,” Jef mentioned. “Our objective is to achieve profitability within the initial year and establish a strong foundation of frequent gamers and cafe patrons who continue to return.
There aren’t any plans to grow Pickle Space itself into a chain, though. Rather, Jef is focused on perfecting the one location into a go-to spot in Subang.
Given this, it’s evident that Pickle Space represents the crucial initial move in positioning the Oh My Belly brand as a lifestyle hub in Malaysia.
-
Discover more about Oh My Belly x Pickle Space
here
.
-
Explore more of our content focused on Malaysian startup companies.
here
.
Featured Image Credit: Oh My Belly x Pickle Space
