Fresh Cup Magazine, providing specialty coffee and tea professionals with unique insight into the trends, ideas, products and people that shape their world.
Issue link: http://freshcup.epubxp.com/i/158781
COURTESY OF PERK-N-POOCH DEDE JONES WASH AND DRINK: Perk-N-Pooch in Sandy Springs, Ga., is another dog-wash/café that appeals to thirsty dog owners. washed, it's passed through a door. Visitors can sit and enjoy their cappuccinos with their pooches on the couch in the lounge area of the wash, but they can't take their pups into the coffee area at all. "What helped me is I didn't try to get around the rules of the health department," says Appel, who worked on the plan for his first coffee shop/dog wash for a year and a half before it was approved. "I worked with them and I went with the rules, and for me, that was why I believed that my business could happen," he says. "I told them, 'I know I have to be your best restaurant/coffee shop in terms of cleanliness and all sorts of stuff because you're going to look at me harder. Rather than being a problem, I'm going to be good for you,' and that's exactly what they've found with me." Though it took a lot of work to finally get approvals, both Mutlu and Appel say it was worth it. Mutlu also notes that once his business was approved, it has had good health inspections ever since. BARKING TOWARD REVENUE When opening a dog-related shop, you should consider selling not just beans and coffee accessories but also operating a "dog boutique" for canine items. Both Mutlu and Appel sell dog food, treats, collars and other accessories. (Vetere of APPA says that dog owners spend double on dog accessories than cat owners do.) The dog boutique can be combined with the lounge area, as it's separate from the dog-washing tubs and drying spots as well as the coffee area. Yes, dog owners are a passionate group, and many will go to great lengths to please their pets. While a dog-washing facility may not be an obvious partner business for a café, it's certainly one with a dedicated clientele. Who knows, maybe those passionate dog people could also become passionate coffee people. freshcup.com September 2013 47