The clubs where Dill Dinkers started now belong to local owners. Dill Dinkers announced on November 5, 2026 that John and Condit Lyon have acquired the Columbia, North Bethesda and Rockville, Maryland clubs, transitioning three locations closely tied to the company's beginnings from corporate ownership to local franchise ownership, according to the company's PR Newswire announcement.
As part of the transaction, the Lyons have also secured development rights for the remaining available Dill Dinkers territory in Maryland, representing a population of more than one million and the potential for up to seven additional clubs over the next decade.
Where the brand began
For co-founders Will and Denise Richards, the handoff is personal. The original Columbia location opened in November 2022, serving as the proving ground for the operations, player experience and community-centered culture that would eventually shape Dill Dinkers into a growing national franchise system. Rockville and North Bethesda followed as early company-owned locations.
"Columbia is where Dill Dinkers came to life, so this is much more personal to us than simply transferring ownership of three clubs," said Will Richards, co-founder and CEO of Dill Dinkers. "These clubs helped us learn what worked, build an incredible community and ultimately create the model we believed could grow beyond Maryland."
The new owners
John and Condit Lyon, through their investment and development company The Flying Lyon, did not arrive as strangers. Their involvement expanded from an initial interest in franchise ownership to regional development, investment in the company and ongoing leadership within the organization. "We initially approached Dill Dinkers looking to become franchisees, but as we learned more about the company, our confidence continued to grow," said John Lyon, co-owner of The Flying Lyon.
Under the new ownership, the three locations will continue operating as Dill Dinkers clubs, maintaining the welcoming atmosphere, established programming and community relationships members have come to expect. John and Condit plan to continue investing in the clubs' facilities, player experience, technology, staff development and programming.
For players in Maryland, the short version is simple: the same clubs, the same programs, with owners who live in the business locally — and the possibility of up to seven more clubs in the state over the next decade. If you are looking for games near you, our explainer on what open play is shows how most club sessions run. Want to know where your own game stands? Take the free skill check.
Source: PR Newswire / Dill Dinkers, "Dill Dinkers Entrusts Original Maryland Clubs to Local Owner as Brand Enters Next Phase of Growth" (Nov. 5, 2026). Deal details and quotes as published there.
