Industry Tennis Club at Court 16 in Fishtown - Photo by Contigo Photos + Films 

On a spring morning, Fishtown’s Court 16 is packed with a group of bartenders and servers from Philadelphia’s top bars and restaurants. Everyone’s game face is on, ready to kick off the 2025 season for the hottest new industry event series, tennis.

Paul Pavelka of a.kitchen+bar is a tenured bartender and tennis player who has long had a desire to get back onto the clay court. Pavelka grew up playing tennis regularly at the Houston Playground in Roxborough with his brother and missed being in the action. He wanted to make tennis a more inclusive, low-impact sport where service workers could play together and network. So he started rallying a group of coworkers-turned-tennis pals via an Instagram group called “Industry Tennis Club.”

Paul Pavelka - Photo by Contigo Photos + Films

Industry Tennis Club meets on Mondays at 11 AM during the summer at a university campus or public park, when the courts are free and less crowded, or inside at the recently opened Court 16 in Fishtown, where instructors guide the club members on technique and form. It’s a casual two-hour meetup where different skill-level groups pair off for a match, practice backhands and serves, and tackle challenging hits or drills. No one’s trying to reach Serena Williams’ level — this tennis club is about camaraderie first, not expertise or intimidation. These are hospitality workers who’d rather trade in boozy industry night parties for sweaty, morning movement. Not only are they learning how to properly serve and track points, but they’re also reaping physical, social, and mental health benefits.

“Being outside in the sun and getting a sweat going informs how I think the rest of the day: I'm recovering, my muscles are healing, I gotta stand upright, stretch, hydrate, and get a good night's rest,” says Pavelka, who carries this mentality the rest of his work week.

Imogen Roth - Photo by Contigo Photo + Film

Bolo bartender and server, Imogen Roth, agrees. She’s one of the most experienced tennis players in the club, first playing with her dad, then in tournaments and on school teams, including college.

“Playing a sport that’s cardio-centered and being outside is a great opportunity to enjoy nature and an outlet for us bartenders,” says Roth, who experiences better physical and mental health when playing tennis, especially during the winter months when she can feel depressed. Industry tennis club helps her become more present, be a better doubles partner, and think about how best to communicate or connect with others. “When I step onto the court, my head gets quiet. Tennis also offers an opportunity to self-reflect and step into our individuality, which is much needed for bartenders and other industry workers who get social burnout.”

Cozette Smith, bartender at Bastia and Caletta, had never played tennis before, but has enjoyed learning techniques to improve her game. She says the tennis club encourages her to stay active on days off.

“The gym isn't really my thing. I'd much rather participate in a game with all these people who do the same thing in hospitality,” says Smith, who’s also fostered new friendships through the club.

Robert Beirne - Photo by Contigo Photo + Film

Robert “Robbie” Beirne and his wife Emily Marku have both been working in bars and restaurants for over a decade. They see industry tennis club as a refreshing change to their social life, keeping them accountable for maintaining a non-alcoholic self-care routine.

“Bartending can be taxing on your body, so any little thing you can do to keep from getting rusty is helpful,” says Beirne, a bartender at Butcher and Singer. He also advocates for more industry events not centered around drinking. In his free time, he keeps busy playing basketball, taking snowboarding trips, or rock climbing with his wife.

“If you're not physically capable, you're going to hurt yourself–maintaining a healthy routine is key to sustaining yourself,” says Marku, server at Provenance. Marku especially appreciates how small things like keeping her arm straight when hitting a tennis ball make a bigger impact on her body. She also likes that tennis club helps her unwind after a long week. “I think it's very important to refresh yourself.”

Industry Tennis Club at Court16 in Fishtown - Photo by Contigo Photos + Films 

Pavelka is already starting another industry club—golf—and seeking sponsors. “It would be really cool if there was a Philadelphia-wide tournament where people represent their restaurant like players represent their country in the Olympics,” Pavelka says.

As Philly’s nightlife scene continues to fill up with popular bartender-led drinking events, these hospitality pros are putting health and wellness first—and leading by example.

Industry Tennis Club is an open invitation. For more information, message Paul Pavelka on Instagram.