2019
20
$80,000
$40,000
$490,500
No
Bowie Barker Bath + Groomerie is revolutionizing the pet grooming industry with a modern, tech-forward approach that caters to the evolving needs of today’s pet owners. Founded in Los Angeles in 2022, the brand offers a dual-service model combining full-service grooming by trained professionals and self-serve wash stations for dogs of all sizes. With a focus on convenience, quality, and customer experience, Bowie Barker aims to expand nationally, targeting up to 200 locations by 2028.
Booming Industry: The U.S. pet industry is projected to grow at 5.3% annually through 2025, with over 90 million dogs and 65 million households owning pets.
Modern Business Model: Bowie Barker offers a membership-based pricing structure, providing predictable recurring revenue.
Tech-Driven Operations: A custom booking system and app streamline the customer experience, from scheduling to payment, enhancing operational efficiency.
Exceptional Support: Franchisees receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, including operational guidance, marketing assistance, and access to a proven business model.
Established Year & Founders:
Bowie Barker was founded in 2019 in Los Angeles, California, by a team of seasoned entrepreneurs: Jeff Platt (former CEO of Sky Zone), Gara Post (Co-Founder of The NOW Massage), and Michelle Sandonato (VP of Strategy at The NOW Massage). These founders combined their expertise in consumer services, operational strategy, and franchise development to create a unique, upscale dog grooming brand.
Brand Journey & Company History:
Bowie Barker started as a premium dog grooming and wellness service with a modern, tech-driven twist. The brand’s mission was to provide both professional grooming services and self-service wash stations, catering to pet owners who value convenience, quality, and a boutique experience for their dogs. Its flagship store opened in West Hollywood, quickly gaining attention for its stylish design, friendly staff, and innovative membership model.
Since its inception, Bowie Barker has focused on building a scalable franchise model. The company aims to expand nationally while maintaining consistent service quality and brand aesthetics. Despite being relatively new, the brand has attracted attention from pet lovers and investors alike, positioning itself as a premium yet approachable pet grooming franchise in the USA.
Ownership & Market Presence:
Bowie Barker operates under the Post Investment Group, a lifestyle brand with a diverse portfolio that spans consumer products, health and wellness, pet services, and real estate. Currently, the franchise has fewer than 20 operational units, mainly in Southern California, but plans for expansion across major urban and suburban areas in the USA are underway.
Industry Category:
The brand is part of the Pet Services industry, specifically focusing on dog grooming, wellness, and self-service wash stations. This sector has seen consistent growth in the USA, driven by increasing pet ownership and the trend toward premium, specialized services for pets.
Market Positioning:
Bowie Barker differentiates itself through a combination of high-quality grooming, self-service options, technology-enabled bookings, and an inviting boutique environment. Its modern approach appeals to urban pet owners looking for convenience and consistency, giving franchisees a competitive edge in a growing industry.
Bowie Barker is designed to help franchisees succeed from day one. The franchise provides comprehensive, structured support across every stage of the business, from pre-launch to ongoing operations.
Before opening, Bowie Barker works closely with franchisees to ensure a smooth setup. This includes:
Site Selection Assistance: Guidance on choosing high-traffic, pet-friendly locations that maximize visibility and customer flow.
Lease Negotiation & Build-Out Support: Help negotiating leases and customizing store layouts to reflect the brand’s upscale, modern aesthetic.
Initial Marketing & Local Launch Planning: Pre-opening marketing campaigns, grand opening strategies, and promotional events to generate initial customer awareness.
Regulatory & Licensing Guidance: Assistance with meeting local health, safety, and business licensing requirements.
Bowie Barker provides hands-on training to ensure franchisees and their teams can run the business efficiently:
Grooming Techniques: Training by certified professionals on full-service grooming and handling different dog breeds safely.
Self-Service Wash Station Management: Instruction on operating, maintaining, and assisting customers using self-wash stations.
Store Operations: Guidance on daily operations, inventory management, scheduling, and customer service protocols.
Software & Technology Training: Training on booking systems, membership management, POS systems, and other tech-enabled tools.
Franchisees receive robust marketing assistance to attract and retain customers:
National Marketing Campaigns: Access to campaigns designed to promote brand awareness and drive membership subscriptions.
Digital Marketing Guidance: Help with social media management, email campaigns, and website promotions.
Local Store Marketing: Templates, materials, and strategies for in-store promotions, community events, and local advertising.
Bowie Barker ensures franchisees are never alone in managing their business:
Operational Check-Ins: Regular performance reviews and consultations to optimize store operations.
Continuous Education: Updates on grooming trends, customer service practices, and business innovations.
Franchisee Network: Access to a community of franchise owners for sharing best practices, insights, and support.
Technical Assistance: Ongoing support for software, POS systems, and other technology tools.
Merchandise & Inventory Guidance: Recommendations for stocking retail products and managing inventory efficiently.
Financial Planning Assistance: Guidance on budgeting, managing cash flow, and optimizing profitability.
Expansion Advice: Support for multi-unit owners looking to scale operations within the region.
Business Background: Experience in retail, hospitality, or customer service industries is advantageous.
Passion: A love for animals and a commitment to providing exceptional pet care services.
Investment Capability: Ability to meet financial requirements, including initial investment and working capital.
Location Preference: Interest in establishing a presence in suburban or urban areas with a high density of pet owners.
Operational Involvement: Willingness to be actively involved in day-to-day operations, ensuring quality service and customer satisfaction.
| Financial Parameter | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $304,250 – $490,500 |
| Minimum Cash Investment | $80,000 – $150,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of Gross Sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Varies based on location size, leasehold improvements, and store layout |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 to cover initial operating expenses |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; membership model and recurring revenue indicate strong potential |
| Break-Even Time | 12 – 24 months depending on store performance and market conditions |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Full-service grooming, self-service wash stations, retail sales, membership plans |
| Franchise Units (Current) | Less than 20 units operational |
| Additional Costs | Licensing, insurance, uniforms, software subscriptions |
