Franchise 500 2023
Franchise 500 Rank
N/R Not ranked last year
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Initial investment
$553K - $934K
Units as of 2023
35 Increase 25.0% over 3 years

 

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Company Overview

About Central Bark

Industry Pets
Related Categories Pet Care
Founded 1997
Parent Company Barkley Ventures Franchising, LLC
Leadership Tim Weiderhoft, Chief Development Officer
Corporate Address P.O. Box 14217
West Allis, WI 53214
Social Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Sponsored Content

More from Central Bark

Central Bark was founded in 1997 and began franchising in 2004 under the parent company Barkley Ventures Inc., which transitioned to the name Barkley Ventures Franchise LLC in 2022. Central Bark has been the vanguard of dog behavior and day care innovation since its inception, pulling from the most recent peer-reviewed research in the canine sciences. Combine this science with the company’s undeniable passion for dogs, and customers will see why focusing on exercise, socialization, and training make for a healthier, happier, and more adaptable dog – what Central Bark has branded as Whole Dog Care.

Currently, 35 Central Bark locations are established throughout the United States, with opportunities to grow in your community. Along with its top-rated doggy day care, Central Bark provides the following services: salon and spa, sleepovers and boarding options, training and enrichment, group play skills, and well-reviewed dog products and supplies in the Central Bark Market.

Why a Central Bark Franchise May be Right for You

An ideal Central Bark franchisee is a dog lover with an entrepreneurial spirit and passion. Current franchisees come from all walks of life, careers, and industries and desire to take control of their professional path, growth, and trajectory.

The benefits of opening a Central Bark franchise are that for over 20 years, it has created a very successful business model maintained by a team of business and marketing professionals who are experts in franchising and the pet care industry; this team will be supporting and advising you in each step of the franchising process.

Why is a Central Bark Franchise a Good Choice?

Financially, Central Bark is moving in a positive direction at a tremendous clip. Central Bark locations have gone from an AUV of $446,855 (2020) to $604,955 (2021) to $731,602 (2022), with the highest sales store at $1,376,540 in 2022 (compared to $1,082,428 (2021) and $741,715 (2020)). 

Moreover, 45.5% of the locations (15) exceeded the AUV in 2022. This, again, is an improvement compared to the previous two years. In 2021, 41.9% of the locations (13) exceeded the AUV. And in 2020, 38.5% of Central Barks (10) exceeded the AUV.

Operationally, franchisees will experience ongoing support, including continuous research to maximize and develop new ideas, a targeted marketing program with advertising, public relations efforts, and social media. Additionally, franchisees receive programs, processes, procedures, and technology to provide superb customer service.

Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, you must perform your due diligence and establish if this opportunity makes sense for you.

To be part of the Central Bark team, you should make sure you're financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. In addition, you should prepare yourself for ongoing fees, including advertising, royalty, and potential renewal fees. A typical franchise agreement runs for 10 years. Franchisees must also meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements.

How To Open a Central Bark Franchise

Once you've decided that Central Bark is a good match for you, fill out an information request form. The franchise development team at Central Bark will then contact you to begin the initial qualification process. Once we’ve determined your qualifications and answered all of your questions, he will further explain the franchise screening and discovery process. You will also be expected to review the Central Bark Franchise Disclosure Document.

After reading the Franchise Disclosure Document and completing any other phone calls with the franchise development team, your file will be reviewed by the Central Bark executive team, who will then schedule a phone interview with you if they approve your application. The last step will be for you to attend the franchise discovery day, and if all parties are in agreement, you will be awarded a Central Bark franchise.

Business Overview

Franchising Since 2004 (20 years)
# of employees at HQ 18
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises in the following US states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming

# of Units 35 (as of 2023)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Central Bark franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$49,000
Initial Investment Information Circle
$552,769 - $934,172
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
$500,000
Cash Requirement Information Circle
$200,000
Veteran Incentives Information Circle
10% off franchise fee
Royalty Fee Information Circle
6%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
2%+
Term of Agreement Information Circle
10 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes

Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing Central Bark has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training 44 hours
Classroom Training 49.5 hours
Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? Yes
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
Yes

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022