The Story Behind San Angelo's Pickleball Facility "Smashers"

SAN ANGELO, TX— Business owners JC and Amber Gallagher have spoken about why they are building a pickleball facility and restaurant in San Angelo.

In the September Building and Inspection Report, a permit is currently pending for a $5 Million pickleball facility and restaurant called Smashers.

Smashers will have seven indoor and two outdoor pickleball courts, an indoor tennis court, a fast casual restaurant and full bar, and a 10,000 square foot outdoor play are for kids. 

Owner JC Gallagher has spoken about why he and his wife, Amber, had decided to build the pickleball facility.

In an email, Gallagher said that he and his wife created the idea for Smashers after playing in the “Dink for Pink” pickleball tournament at Bentwood Country Club last October. They both became hooked on pickleball after first playing it and continued to play with their friends.

Gallagher and his wife thought that San Angelo needed indoor courts and decided to put together a business plan and began putting together financial projections.

Then, Smashers was born.

Once plans were complete, Gallagher sent them to a few of his friends to look over before trying to find funding. Most individuals that reviewed the plans were supportive and even wanted to be involved.

A few weeks went by to get everything going and funding was secured as was the land for the facility. They took the plans to The Bank and Trust who were also excited to help fund the project.

“The investors are all local and dedicated to the success of Smashers and San Angelo.” Gallagher said.

The lot at 2521 Southwest Boulevard was purchased after the floor plan was established so design and planning could continue without them having to worry about losing out on their location.

As Smashers will also have a restaurant and a full bar, the patrons at the hotels in the immediate area will benefit as Smashers will be within walking distance. The restaurant will feature several appetizers, smash burgers, power bowls, salads, personal pizzas, and sandwiches.

The 10,000 square foot playground and outdoor area will have a shaded playscape along with outdoor seating and room for outdoor games like corn hole.

Gallagher stated that the plan is to begin demo and dirt work around the end of October or early November and that he plans on Smashers opening during summer 2025.

As for the Gallaghers, JC and Amber have been married for 25 years. They have two children and were both born in Midland, Texas. They met in college at Texas Tech in Lubbock then JC joined the Air Force and was stationed at Goodfellow AFB from 2003-2006.

After his time in the Air Force, JC attended Angelo State University to obtain his bachelor’s degree. Amber went into banking and worked her way up to become the Vice President of a bank out of Austin. The remote work she does allowed the Gallaghers to back to San Angelo in 2021.

JC now owns a residential construction company in Austin and goes occasionally to manage projects the company is working on.

Gallagher said, “We are both really excited to be able to provide this facility to San Angelo and are praying for great success.  We appreciate you being interested in our story and Smashers.”