Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Joseph.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sharon. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
A dog park with a cocktail bar was started in concept through a friend group that routinely met up at a local dog park in Miami. There, we brought our own libations and made a community that gathered ritually at the dog park.
The idea to go forward with a business started through a market assessment that there are no off-leash dog parks or activities which included the concessions of bar in South Florida. Certainly, there are plenty of restaurants or other food and beverage establishments that allow for dogs on-leash, but this is not ideal for the dogs that need the free-playtime. In our opinion, if we give dog owners a reason to stay at the park longer, both pets and parents will be happier.
At this stage of our new business, we are mobile – bringing the cocktail bar to dog parks and dog friendly events. This allows us the flexibility to travel to established parks or dog events and serve its patrons. Our loyal boozehounds enjoy following us around the South Florida area bringing their branded tumbler for half-priced refills. And new customers are always surprised by the ingenuity of the experience.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are certainly challenges with this business model, especially considering that it involves alcohol. Ensuring that we are compliant with state licenses and regulations was the primary hurdle to get going. Although we recognize the irony that we are a speakeasy-style mobile bar that needed government licenses to operate. We jokingly wish there was a secret password or knock we could have used instead.
Additionally, we were challenged with permitting and approval to operate at city or county dog parks and events. For good reason, an organization or individual cannot serve alcohol at parks or events without proper permitting and levels of local government approval. This meant the theory of simply showing up to dog parks with the bar became more complicated to ensure applications, permits, insurance, and even police detail were covered in order for us to operate. And this is applicable for every appearance.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pooch & Hooch – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
As a mobile cocktail bar for dog parks and dog events, we are known for our unique offering to provide dog owners the opportunity to have both canine and human social activity in one location. And we do this with craft cocktails, beer, and wine from our custom trailer we secretly call “the roving speakeasy”. One of our top-selling cocktails is the Greyhound Rosemary – a refreshing spin on a traditional vodka and red grapefruit juice cocktail. All menu items are cleverly named in the spirit of our business to serve humans who love dogs and day drinking. Other favorites include our Mary’s Mutt, Barking Lemon Tea, Hoppy Pups, Howling Apples, or Fetching Coffee.
I am most proud of pioneering the concept of a mobile bar and serving a dog lover market that has not been provided this experience anywhere else. This is also what sets us apart – it’s never been done.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
South Florida, in general, is an outdoor paradise. Every city is centered around outdoor activities fostering a culture that embraces our climate and energy. Unfortunately, this means rainy days are very constricting for our cities and for the Pooch & Hooch business.
Contact Info:
- Website: poochandhooch.com
- Email: info@poochandhooch.com
- Instagram: poochandhooch
- Facebook: poochandhoochfl
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