There are more pet owners nowadays, and they tend to be more loving to their pets than older people. One thing pet owners often do is they will bring their pets along for a meal. It can be a good idea to create a pet friendly restaurant as it is now becoming part of the trend.
People are more willing to spend on their pets and this is why pet friendly restaurants are getting popular. If you can capture this market, it can really boost your sales for your restaurant. It allows pet owners to spend quality time with their pets.
But there are many things to consider if you want to open a pet friendly restaurant. It can be difficult and challenging as you will need to handle pets and their messes. Opening a pet friendly restaurant allows you to stand out from your competitors, but are you ready for it? In this article, we will discuss some tips to create a pet-friendly restaurant.
Tips To Create A Pet Friendly Restaurant
1. Find Your Niche
When opening a pet friendly restaurant, you need to understand your niche. Consider what type of target audience you are serving and how you want to serve them. You may also want to come out with food that is suitable for pets.
Since you are opening a pet friendly restaurant, pet owners will be part of your main target audience. But it still can be a wide range of people, from youngsters to older people. Consider the food you are serving. Will it be Western, Chinese, or Italian? Will it be fast food or allowing customers to sit down and enjoy? All these can affect the range of your target audience.
Consider who your target audience is, and you can narrow down your options. Also, coming out with a pet’s menu helps you to attract pet owners.
2. Select The Right Location
Since you are opening a pet-friendly restaurant, you will want to target pet owners. The location of your restaurant will be very important. For example, usually, condos don’t allow tenants to keep pets, so it won’t be a good choice to open a pet-friendly restaurant near the condos.
If your area does have parks that allow pets to go to, you may consider operating your restaurant near the park. You can let pet owners know that your restaurant is pet friendly and encourage them to come in. It also allows pet owners to bring them to the park before or after their meal.
Another option is to check out if the neighborhood is pet friendly. The community should be able to embrace pet-friendly living. Targeting neighbourhoods with more pet owners can attract more pet owners to visit your restaurant.
You may also consider locating your restaurant near pet supply stores, groomers, or veterinary clinics. This can create synergy within the community, attracting pet owners who visit these establishments frequently.
Also, consider the traffic. Prioritize locations with low traffic noise to create a calm and safe environment for pets. Avoid busy intersections or noisy areas that might stress pets and disrupt the dining experience.
3. Create A Dedicated Space For Pets And Pets Owner
Although you can target pet owners to bring their pets if you open a pet friendly restaurant, you are still able to target those without pets. But not everyone loves pets, so it is important to separate the space between pet owners and those without pets.
You may create an area for pet owners and pets to sit. Consider providing a separate entrance for diners with pets to enter. Make sure you mark the entrance with clear signage to allow diners to identify the area.
Consider using barriers inside your restaurant to separate the areas. Consider using low fences or planters to separate the area from the rest of the restaurant. It can help to create a defined space while maintaining an open and inclusive atmosphere.
4. Create Outdoor Space
Creating an outdoor space is a good idea, as pet owners can access your restaurant without going through the main dining area. It won’t disturb other diners having their meals as they can find a spot in your outdoor dining area.
Ensure that your outdoor dining area is well-designed. You will need to consider many other factors, such as whether the weather or whether your furniture is appropriate for outdoors. You will also need to ensure the space is cool enough to prevent the pets from getting too hot.
Customers will be passing through your outdoor space. So, ensure the space is tidy and clean, as it will have an impact on your restaurant’s image. Allow customers to have a good dining experience and they will return again with their pets.
5. Design A Waste Zone
It is important to allocate an area for the waste zone for the pets. It helps to maintain cleanliness and provide a positive environment in a pet-friendly restaurant. The location should be convenient and easily accessible. The best is near the entrance of the area for pets and their owner.
Clearly marked the bins to differentiate them from general trash and pet waste. You can use colors or signage to mark the purpose of the bin. Consider installing waste bag dispensers near the waste zone. It makes it convenient for pet owner to clear the waste of their pets.
Make sure you keep the smell away from the dining area. It will affect diners’ dining experience and keep them from coming back. The waste zone doesn’t need to be too big but should have enough space for a few dogs to use it at once.
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