| Starting in South
Florida in mid 1994, we had begun developing several flavors of
dog biscuits based on modified recipes obtained from several sources
including word-of-mouth, animal publications and our own trial and
error. Our test-bed was our own dog, TJ and dogs belonging to family,
friends and neighbors. We had instant acceptance of our products.
So
how big is the pet products market in the USA?
The venture was started
in earnest in April 1995 with the decision to "try a Saturday
or two" at Charlotte’s then brand new Uptown Market (UM), an
upscale open-air market consisting of several dozen vendors of food
products, hand-made crafts, fresh produce, seafood and specialty
items. The UM was a long term goal of the Charlotte Uptown Development
Corporation (CUDC) charged with revitalizing Charlotte’s central
business district. In April 1995 we committed to:
The first Uptown Market
on June 3, 1995 proved so successful --- selling all 24 of the eight-ounce
bags --- that we committed our presence there for the balance of
the summer. Our decision to seek wholesale outlets was based
on our desire for further market testing and included select
grocery stores, veterinarians, pet stores and boarding facilities.
Our first two wholesale
customer success locations were a long-established neighborhood
market, Reid’s Fine Foods and in a large, natural health food supermarket,
Talley’s Green Grocery. Both
relationships continue successfully today and were established through
personal contact. We then targeted the Harris-Teeter
chain of supermarkets as a select retailer of our product
based on the recommendation of a fellow-employee. This employee
--- rather a good shepherd for us --- knew a "good thing"
when he saw it, believed in the product and happened to be a close
personal friend of the president of Harris-Teeter. That fellow-employee
ushered our product into the home of the president of Harris-Teeter
where it was immediately well-received. Our
product was introduced to the first Harris-Teeter
store --- the
Arboretum in southeastern Charlotte ---- on December 2, 1995.
The rest is "history" so to speak. Continued expansion,
both retail and wholesale continues today. While having started
at home, the business quickly took up temporary shelter for a year
at an established "people" bakery in Northwest Charlotte.
Barbara's Canine Catering
& Dog Bakery found its first home in Pineville, North Carolina.
It was located just outside the Charlotte city limits and just
west of the Carolina Place mall, Charlotte's first and only all-natural
dog bakery opened its doors on Tuesday, August 19, 1997.
Relocated in June off
2005 and operating
under the new name of Canine Café Charlotte, Barbara,
Meredith, TJ & staff now welcome all dog owners and their pets to visit. The
fun multi-colored tile counter and Mexican tile floors are more
reminiscent of a fine restaurant than a canine bakery.
We offer European-style outdoor seating for dogs and their owners and
features all-natural dog treats that include cakes, biscuits, mini
pizzas and specialty items. While owners enjoy a complimentary glass
of iced tea or a cup of coffee, dogs may try sample biscuits while
enjoying a glass bowl of bottled water. Expensive? Not really. All
items are reasonably priced and loads of fun!
In April 2004, we
welcomed two additional investor-owners.
In March 2005, we
will introduce our first package
re-design. In
April 2005, we are re-locating to
the South End district of Charlotte. CLICK
HERE for all the latest news. CLICK
HERE for upcoming events.. |
