Article by Maloree Murphy 

Renderings courtesy of Brandon and Frank at Studio 4 Architects 

Jessie and Grant have thought of everything. I mean everything. As I sat in their home discussing the Paddy Shack, every question I asked had an answer. Soil composition for the landscaping? Checked with a local expert. Sound-dampening to make the lounge feel less like a rec center? Already talked with their architects. Which trees actually survive Montana winters? They know. 

But here's what gets to me: they're not just building a pickleball complex. They're creating a place where their daughters can grow up with the kind of community they experienced growing up in Austin. A place where parents aren't stuck inside all winter with nowhere to go. "We realized there's not a single spot like this here," Jessie says. "Not a single place where there's this energy that welcomes all ages, where young parents can get out of the house and build community." So, they decided to build it themselves. 

The Paddy Shack, opening later this year, is their response to what Billings has been missing: an inviting space that encourages a strong sense of community and belonging. But calling it just a pickleball venue would be like calling a cathedral just a building. Of course, there are courts (six outdoor, three indoor). Still, there will also be a large playground with rolling turf hills, a coffee shop, a wine-and-beer bar featuring local breweries, rotating food trucks, and enough programming to keep the calendar full year-round.  

For the food and drink side, they're adopting a partnership approach. Two food truck spots will have full hookups. But they're not interested in standard food truck fare. "We want memorable food," Jessie says. "Not fancy. Good quality. Items like wood-fired pizza, gourmet burgers, and fast-turnover food that people actually want to come back for. They benefit from our foot traffic, and we benefit from theirs. It's a true partnership." 

The bar will serve local beer from distributors Briggs and Watkins, with plans to collaborate with a sommelier on wine selection. Unlike typical sports bars, this one isn't meant for standing and drinking. You order at the bar, then take your glass of wine or pint out to the turf, the lounge, or a pickleball court. TVs will be placed around the property for those wanting to watch the game, but the bar itself will remain screen-free. "We don't want it centered around drinking," Grant explains. "It's beer and wine only, no liquor. You grab your drink and enjoy the activity and the people. That's the point." 

Local coffee provider, Big Sky Coffee Roasters will anchor the sit-and-stay café area, offering pastries and a laptop-friendly environment. The couple also plans to host events, including farmers' markets, craft festivals, a large Christmas market, mah-jongg nights, pickleball clinics taught by professionals, singles mixers, and couples' tournaments. The featured court (visible from the mezzanine) can host professional matches with bleacher seating and sponsor signage.  

They have already connected with professional pickleball players locally and regionally for advice on everything from wall colors to ball visibility and lighting. They toured Urban Pickleball in Austin, a hotspot for pros, to understand the needs of serious players. But they are equally committed to creating space for beginners who have never held a paddle, making sure everyone feels welcome and encouraged to join. 

"It can feel intimidating when the courts are overrun by the really good players," Jessie acknowledges. "We're building it so everyone has access. You're not coming to the Paddy Shack to play pickleball. You're coming to be with your community, and you might choose to play for an hour while you're there." The response since they launched the concept on social media has been overwhelming. Fifty thousand views, hundreds of shares, and even a woman at the playground, thanking Jessie in person with a newborn in her arms. 

The Paddy Shack is the flagship business of Copper Farms, a larger town-square-style development with additional lots available for businesses that share the same vision. They're aiming high: a butcher shop, a flower shop, and local vendors who want to become part of an ecosystem. The Paddy Shack is a veteran- and woman-owned business, and Jessie and Grant are seeking partners who see the potential of Billings.  

When I ask what success looks like, they both pause. Then Jessie grins. "Smiles," she says. "Energy. The music playing, kids laughing, people talking, and building community. Kids are not in front of screens; they are running around outside. Everybody's needs are being met in a way they weren't before. That's when we'll know we nailed it." 

I'm excited about what Grant and Jessie are creating here. After two hours in their living room, what stays with me isn't just the pickleball courts, food trucks, or the playground. It's that they understand it. Not because they have all the answers, but because they've asked the right questions. They know what this community needs. They've done the work. Now it's Billings' turn to step up. 

 Renderings and design plans are by Studio4 Architects, whose involvement has helped bring Jessie and Grant’s vision to life in a way that feels both intentional and inviting. From the overall layout of the property to the way people will naturally move through the space, Studio4 has played a key role in translating the idea of community first into a physical environment. The design balances function with warmth, creating a space that feels approachable for families while still supporting players, vendors, and year-round programming. 

The Paddy Shack is actively seeking: 

• Food truck operators interested in semi-permanent partnerships 

• Businesses interested in lots at Copper Farms development 

 Opening 2026 | Follow updates on social media and website   

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Originally printed in the May 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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