Wagbar is growing city by city through local franchise owners who love dogs and want to build a gathering place in their own community. Below are the markets where Wagbar has already announced a franchisee, how territory planning works, and how to find out whether your city is open.
Where Wagbar Started
Wagbar began with a simple idea: dog parks could be better. Founder Kendal Kulp first imagined it after a bad dog park experience in 2014, and with his father, Kajur, as co-founder, he opened the original Wagbar in 2020. Today that flagship sits at 320 Merrimon Ave in Weaverville, just outside Asheville, North Carolina.
It is the place every new franchisee learns from. Dogs play off leash in the yard while their people grab a drink, meet friends and settle into a real neighborhood hangout. Locals have noticed, too: readers of Mountain Xpress voted Wagbar first place for Pet Friendly Bar or Brewery in the Best of WNC awards every year from 2021 through 2025. You can see the original in action on our Asheville location page.
Markets With Announced Wagbar Franchisees
These are the cities where Wagbar has welcomed a franchise owner or announced a location. Each one is at its own stage, from early planning to a secured site.
The Carolinas
- Charlotte, NC: franchisee Brandi is bringing Wagbar to Charlotte.
- Greater Charlotte: franchisee Denise is opening the second Wagbar in the Charlotte area.
- Cary, NC: John and his family became Wagbar’s first franchisee, serving the Raleigh area.
- Greenville, SC: franchisee Matt Stephenson is preparing to bring Wagbar to Greenville.
- Myrtle Beach, SC: Matt and Taylor have secured a location in The Market Common.
The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic
- Savannah, GA: Latashia and her business partner Kyle are bringing Wagbar to Savannah.
- Orlando, FL: James and Emily are opening Wagbar in the Orlando area.
- Richmond, VA: AJ Sanborn is Wagbar’s Richmond area franchisee.
- Frederick, MD: Wagbar Frederick is coming soon.
The Midwest, South and West
- Cincinnati, OH: Tony, a longtime teacher and coach, is bringing Wagbar to his hometown.
- Fayetteville, AR: Adam and Sara are bringing Wagbar to Northwest Arkansas.
- Dallas, TX
- Phoenix, AZ: Dianna is bringing Wagbar to Phoenix.
- Los Angeles, CA: Wagbar LA is coming soon to West Harbor in San Pedro.
For the full list in one place, visit Our Locations.
Is My City Available?
If your city is not on the list above, the best way to find out is to ask. Territory availability is confirmed directly with the Wagbar team during your first conversation.
If your city is already on the list, it may still be worth reaching out. Larger metro areas can support more than one Wagbar. Greater Charlotte is a good example, with two separate franchisees serving different parts of the region.
Start with the Request Free Info form on our franchising page and tell us the area you have in mind.
How Territory Planning Fits Into Opening a Wagbar
Choosing the right territory and the right site is one of the first steps, and franchisees do not do it alone. Wagbar works directly with each owner from early planning through opening day. That support can include:
- Territory planning and site selection guidance
- Design and buildout guidance, including vendor coordination
- An optional modular container approach for core pieces like the bar and restrooms
- Pre-opening timelines and launch preparation
- One week of in-person training in Asheville covering operations, the bar, memberships and the dog park
- On-site help with your grand opening, plus ongoing guidance after you open
Franchisees work with the people who built and run the brand, not a distant support desk.
Who Wagbar Is Looking For
Every franchisee on the list above came from a different background. You do not need to be a groomer, a vet or a restaurant owner. Wagbar looks for partners who love dogs and people, enjoy building local relationships and want a business they can feel passionate about. Good partners also care about safety, cleanliness and customer experience, can lead a team and run daily operations, and value systems, training and brand standards. They also need the financial ability to open and operate responsibly.
Investment and Financial Information
The franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund contribution and estimated initial investment are listed on our franchising page. Wagbar does not make earnings claims on this website or in its marketing. Verified financial performance information appears only in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, which qualified candidates receive during the formal disclosure process.
Some states regulate the offer and sale of franchises. In those states, Wagbar offers franchises only after meeting each state’s registration and disclosure requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two Wagbar locations operate in the same metro area?
Yes. In larger regions it can make sense to have more than one Wagbar. The Charlotte area already has two franchisees, one in Charlotte and one serving greater Charlotte.
How do I find out if my territory is open?
Fill out the Request Free Info form on the franchising page with the city or area you are interested in. The Wagbar team will confirm what is available during your first conversation.
Do I need a specific kind of property before I apply?
No. Site selection is part of the support Wagbar provides once you are moving forward, so you do not need a property lined up before you reach out.
Ready to bring Wagbar to your city? Request free franchise info and tell us where you would like to open.