MUTTS Canine Cantina, a new innovative franchise concept that provides a unique urban oasis for dogs and their owners, is expanding across major markets in the U.S.

The Dallas based concept, which has a proven track record and a second corporate location opening in mid-September in Fort Worth, Texas, has its sights set on first bringing the concept to the sunbelt states. Since MUTTS opened its gates, the company has received over 60 inquiries from potential franchisees.

Named one of USA Today’s “10 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants” and by Orbitz as “Where to eat, stay and play with Fido in America’s pet-friendliest cities”, MUTTS has earned a reputation in Texas and beyond for its social dog parks, each featuring a walk-up bar offering local craft beer, a full bar famous for its Barkarita’s, HD TV’s, and Adirondack lounge chairs throughout the small, or large dog parks.  A separate patio features concession-style food options specializing in the MUTTS Original Chicken Sandwich, burgers, milkshakes, and a “Doggie Menu” for the four-legged patrons. The unique concept has been recognized by many notable sources such as D Magazine as “Best Dog-Friendly Bar”, Eater Dallas as “11 Best Dog-Friendly Eateries”, DFW Explorer as, “The 5 Best Dog-Friendly Spots in Dallas”, and more.

“MUTTS is a one-of-a-kind concept that brings community members and their four-legged friends together in a positive and energetic environment,” says Michelle Boggs, managing partner of MUTTS Canine Cantina. “As it’s very easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, MUTTS serves as a place where dog owners can escape with their best friends, have a beer, a burger, or a MUTTS original Chicken sandwich, and simply hang out. Having a local spot where residents can socialize and meet other dogs/dog owners is something our members truly love.”

Franchisees will benefit from numerous features including a turn-key concept that offers pre-designed and pre-manufactured building modules by Frey Moss that can be erected in less than 24 hours (once built in the factory and shipped), a membership and recurring revenue model, and a well-developed food and beverage program. Additionally, the franchise is ideal for developers with mixed usage projects and a solution for odd shaped or undevelopable tract within a development. Other notable turn-key aspects include negotiated contracts with national vendors including CBRE for real estate; Trimark kitchen equipment; Sysco food vendor; Starpower AV; Fastsigns; Ima/Waldman Insurance; and various IT vendors for POS, surveillance, labor, and accounting.

Each MUTTS location will have two fully enclosed, fenced lawn spaces—one each for small and large breeds—that expand over an acre of land. This gives pups the space to release energy, exercise, run freely and play safely in both shaded and unshaded areas, while their owners relax and socialize.

The concept is built on a membership model. Dogs and their owners can access the dog park with either daily, monthly, or by an annual membership, all which include free Wi-Fi, Bark Rangers who provide water and keep the park tidy, and a dog washing area.

The MUTTS concept was created in 2013 by Kyle Noonan and Josh Sepkowitz, founders of FreeRange Concepts. MUTTS was one of many “first of its kind” concepts that the two restaurant pioneers created under the FreeRange Concepts umbrella. Noonan and Sepkowitz have partnered with Michelle Boggs and Ron Roys, managing partners of MUTTS Canine Cantina, who will both be leading the franchise development efforts. 

“We’re looking forward to taking MUTTS Canine Cantina to the next level by expanding the concept to fresh, new markets,” adds Kyle Noonan, founder of FreeRange Concepts. “This innovative concept is truly unrivaled in its space and because of that, we’re confident that with the help of our partners and franchisee’s, MUTTS will disrupt the franchise space by becoming one of the most well-known and successful franchise concepts out there.”

The initial franchise fee for MUTTS Canine Cantina is $40,000, and the total estimated initial investment ranges from $906,124 – $1,248,932. Prospective franchisees must meet the minimum requirements to be considered for a MUTTS Canine Cantina franchisee.

Industry News, NextGen Casual