Updated October 21, 2026 | East Cobb, Marietta, Georgia
That vacant Walmart Neighborhood Market at Olde Mill Shopping Center in East Cobb has a new direction. Cobb County commissioners voted 4-0 on October 20, 2026 to permit an indoor sports facility use at the property, paving the way for The Pickle Pad and Crave Social Eatery. The decision concerns the permitted use. It is not a grand-opening announcement or confirmation that all construction is complete.
What is replacing the old East Cobb Walmart?
The Pickle Pad is a planned indoor pickleball and social-entertainment destination paired with Crave Social Eatery. Reporting on the October 20 decision says the approved indoor sports use would accommodate 12 pickleball courts and golf simulators. Plans described by the operator also include a restaurant and bar, arcade, and other social games. Earlier project materials describe four golf simulators; final equipment and layout should be confirmed closer to opening.
Where is The Pickle Pad going?
3101 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30062, at Olde Mill Shopping Center near Old Canton Road and Roswell Road (Georgia 120). The former Walmart anchor space sits alongside existing retail and fitness uses. The supplied site plan labels the former Walmart area at approximately 48,035 square feet; October 21 local reporting describes the space being converted as 46,761 square feet. Those figures come from different project materials and should not be treated as identical measurements.
What does the site plan show?
The submitted site plan shows the former Walmart anchor footprint, adjacent fitness and shop spaces, and existing parking and circulation. A site plan illustrates the application and physical context. It should not be read as proof that every depicted feature has been built.
When will The Pickle Pad open in East Cobb?
The operator is targeting January 2027, according to October 21 local reporting. That is a projected timeline, not a confirmed opening date. Building work, inspections, licensing and other remaining steps may affect the schedule.
What exactly did Cobb County approve?
The Board of Commissioners approved a stipulation allowing indoor sports facility use within the property’s existing Neighborhood Retail Commercial (NRC) zoning category. This differs from a blanket approval of every possible amenity or a certificate of occupancy. Local coverage identifies entrepreneur Jay Mathis as the franchise operator behind the conversion.
Why this matters for East Cobb
Reusing a former grocery anchor could bring activity back to a large retail space and create a new gathering place for families, players and people looking for dining and entertainment. Questions worth watching include construction progress, the final mix of activities, parking operations and a firm opening date.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Pickle Pad approved?
Yes. Cobb County commissioners voted 4-0 on October 20, 2026, to allow the indoor sports facility use at the former Walmart location.
How many pickleball courts are planned?
Local reporting on the approval identifies 12 pickleball courts.
Will there be food and drinks?
Yes, Crave Social Eatery, a restaurant and bar concept, is part of the announced plans. Final offerings and operating hours remain subject to confirmation.
Is January 2027 the confirmed opening?
No. January 2027 is the operator’s stated target, not a confirmed opening date.
Sources and what we’re watching
Reporting: East Cobb News, October 21, 2026; Marietta Daily Journal, October 21, 2026. Additional visuals: site plan, aerial and venue-reference imagery provided for this story. BBDN will watch for a confirmed opening date, construction milestones and the final amenity list.
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