Wolverine Pickleball, the indoor/outdoor playground and lounge for grown-ups, is now serving up some elevated fare. The Den provides a permanent kitchen for both casual dining and catered events.
CEO and cofounder Christy Howden says the concept subs out the food trucks at the multisport complex in Scio Twp. that opened in 2023. Customers can order takeout online or use QR-coded menus throughout the facility.
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They’ve partnered with the culinary team behind the now-closed Lady of the House, a James Beard Award–nominated Detroit restaurant led by chef Kate Williams.
“We seem to be a good fit, so we’re excited about what we can build it into,” Howden says. The menu of shareables, salads, bowls, sandwiches, sides, and desserts will evolve with experience and the seasons. The Bloody Mary deviled eggs have been an early hit, she adds.
The spice and tang can be washed down with any (or many) of thirty Pour Decisions, a tap wall featuring self-serve beers, seltzers, kombucha, wine, and cocktails, all sold by the ounce to adult customers wearing RFID wristbands linked to a credit card.
“It’s really novel,” she says.
Beyond the titular paddle sport, Wolverine Pickleball is home to bocce, cornhole, ping-pong, beach volleyball, beach tennis, and several non-sport activities, including goat yoga, mahjong, and free Wednesday night trivia.
“We need more places for adults to have fun and to connect,” Howden says. “It’s been so fun to build and just become that hangout for people. Anything quirky, you know, we give it a go. Our community is kind of that incubator.”
The Den, 235 Metty. (734) 489–1723. Tues.–Sat. 4:30–9:30 p.m. Closed Sun. & Mon. wolverinepickleball.com/drinks
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