Wagbar Locations: Our Journey From Asheville Pilot to National Expansion
From Innovative Concept to National Expansion
What began as a revolutionary concept in Asheville, North Carolina is now poised for an exciting nationwide expansion that will bring dogs and their owners together in communities across America. Wagbar's unique fusion of an off-leash dog park and social bar environment has proven its appeal over 4.5 years of successful operation at our flagship location, creating a vibrant gathering space where dogs play freely while their owners relax and connect in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Wagbar concept was born in 2015 when founder Kendal Kulp, inspired by a less-than-ideal day at a traditional dog park, envisioned something better—a place where dogs could socialize safely off-leash while their owners enjoyed quality time together. In partnership with his father Kajur as co-founder, this vision became reality with our pilot location opening in 2019. Despite launching during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept proved immediately appealing to dog lovers seeking outdoor social experiences that included their canine companions.
Today, after 4.5 years of refining our model and building a loyal community at our Asheville pilot, Wagbar is experiencing remarkable growth with 16 new franchises sold in just the past 15 months. These locations are in various stages of development, from securing real estate to preparing for groundbreaking, with several soon to open their doors to eager communities. This rapid expansion validates the universal appeal of our concept and sets the stage for Wagbar to become a beloved national brand.
Our Flagship: The Asheville Pilot Location
Our Asheville location stands as the living proof of concept for the Wagbar vision—a thriving community hub where dogs and their owners have gathered for over four years. This flagship venue has allowed us to perfect our operational model, refine our customer experience, and build a dedicated following that demonstrates the staying power of our unique approach.
The Asheville pilot showcases everything that makes Wagbar special: a spacious, secure off-leash area where dogs can play and socialize under careful supervision, complemented by a comfortable bar area where owners enjoy a selection of beverages while keeping an eye on their furry friends. Regular events ranging from trivia nights to local food truck rotations have fostered a genuine community that returns week after week, creating the blueprint for success that our franchise locations will follow.
Visitor reviews consistently highlight what sets Wagbar apart from traditional dog parks or pet-friendly establishments:
"This place had me thinking, 'Whyyy did I not think of this first??' Such a cool spot. Based around an upscale repurposed shipping container that serves a good selection of drinks, with two pretty large open areas that hosts plenty of bar-style and bench seating, rotating food trucks, and plenty of sweeeet puppies. Ours absolutely loved it." - Chris S.
"I remain amazed how few of these dog bars there are. It's such an obvious concept: create an enjoyable spot to imbibe your favorite beverage while your dog(s) get to run around and enjoy themselves. WagBar is an excellent example of the potential." - Adam A.
The success of our Asheville location has not only proven the viability of our concept but has created the foundation for our franchising program, allowing us to bring the Wagbar experience to communities nationwide.
Exciting National Expansion Underway
The past 15 months have marked an extraordinary chapter in Wagbar's growth story, with 16 new franchises joining our family. These locations span the country from coast to coast, representing diverse communities united by their love for dogs and desire for innovative social spaces. Each new Wagbar is at a different stage in its journey to opening day, with some securing ideal sites while others prepare for construction.
Southeast Region
The Southeast represents the heartland of our expansion, building on the success of our Asheville roots. New Wagbar locations are in development in:
Weaverville, NC - Our flagship pilot location, successfully operating for over 4.5 years
South Asheville, NC - Expanding our presence in our hometown market
Cary, NC - Extending our reach into the Research Triangle region
Charlotte, NC - Establishing Wagbar in North Carolina's largest city
Greenville, SC - Our first South Carolina location in this thriving community
Myrtle Beach, SC - A perfect match for this pet-friendly tourist destination
Savannah, GA - Introducing Wagbar to Georgia's historic coastal city
Knoxville, TN - Our first Tennessee location in this dog-loving community
Our Myrtle Beach location is currently underway, with franchisees Matt and Taylor having secured their site in The Market Common district. Matt, Taylor, and their dog Mickey have joined the Wagbar family as they take their first steps into business ownership to bring the Wagbar experience to the Myrtle Beach community.
Mid-Atlantic & Northeast
Our expansion into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions brings the Wagbar concept to new communities with strong dog ownership demographics:
Richmond, VA - Led by franchisee AJ Sanborn, who joined the Wagbar family after a 20-year career in financial services
Frederick, MD - Bringing Wagbar to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area
Cincinnati, OH - Our first Midwest location in this vibrant city
AJ Sanborn's story exemplifies the passionate entrepreneurs joining our franchise family: "After dedicating 20 years to the financial services industry, I began searching for my next adventure. While I considered opening a traditional bar, my love for animals led me to Wagbar, where the unique combination of a dog park and bar felt like the perfect match."
West Coast & Southwest
Our national expansion includes bringing the Wagbar concept to the West Coast and Southwest regions:
Los Angeles, CA - Introducing Wagbar to the entertainment capital
Long Beach, CA - Expanding our California presence in this coastal community
Dallas, TX - Bringing Wagbar to the Lone Star State
Phoenix, AZ - Our first Southwest location in this rapidly growing market
Central Florida
Orlando, FL - Establishing Wagbar in one of America's premier tourist destinations
The Universal Appeal of the Wagbar Concept
While our franchise locations are at various stages of development, all will share the common elements that define the signature Wagbar experience. Each will feature spacious, secure off-leash areas where dogs can play and socialize under careful supervision, complemented by comfortable bar areas where owners can enjoy beverages while keeping an eye on their furry friends.
The specific amenities will vary by location, with some featuring dog pools, agility equipment, or specialized play structures based on local preferences and climate considerations. All locations will prioritize safety and cleanliness, with staff trained to monitor dog interactions and ensure a positive experience for every visitor. Each Wagbar will also offer a rotating selection of local food trucks, creating culinary variety that encourages repeat visits and supports local businesses.
What truly distinguishes the Wagbar concept from other dog-friendly establishments is our commitment to creating genuine communities rather than just service facilities. Regular events will foster connections among patrons, transforming occasional visitors into loyal community members who return week after week.
Why Wagbar Is Different
Traditional approaches to dog socialization and pet-friendly environments typically fall into two categories: utilitarian dog parks with minimal amenities, or establishments that merely tolerate dogs on leashes as an accommodation to their owners. Wagbar represents a fundamental reimagining of what's possible when dogs and their owners are placed at the center of the design concept.
Unlike conventional dog parks that often lack supervision, maintenance, and comfortable spaces for humans, Wagbar creates purpose-built environments where both dogs and their owners can thrive. The emphasis on off-leash play addresses dogs' natural need for exercise and socialization, while the integrated bar concept acknowledges that pet parents deserve enjoyment alongside their canine companions.
This revolutionary approach transforms how communities think about dog-friendly spaces. Rather than separating dog activities from human socialization, Wagbar creates integrated experiences that strengthen the bond between pets and their people. The result is more than just a business—it's a community institution that enhances quality of life for everyone involved.
Join the Wagbar Community
As our franchise locations progress toward their grand openings, we invite you to stay connected with Wagbar's expansion. Whether you're in Asheville and can visit our flagship location today, or you're eagerly awaiting a Wagbar in your community, there are several ways to engage with our growing brand:
Visit our Asheville pilot location to experience the original Wagbar concept that started it all
Follow us on social media for updates on new location openings and progress
Sign up for our newsletter to be among the first to know when a Wagbar is opening near you
Our membership options range from single-day passes for occasional visitors to annual memberships for regular patrons who make Wagbar part of their weekly routine. Membership benefits include convenient access without needing to present vaccination records on each visit, though all visitors must ensure their dogs meet our health and behavior requirements.
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Bring Wagbar to Your Community
Don't see a Wagbar location in development for your area? We're actively expanding through our franchise program, bringing the joy of off-leash social experiences to communities nationwide. If you're passionate about dogs and interested in creating a vibrant gathering place in your community, consider the Wagbar franchise opportunity.
The tremendous response to our franchise offering—16 new locations sold in just 15 months—speaks to the extraordinary appeal and business potential of the Wagbar concept. Our franchise partners receive comprehensive training, site selection assistance, and ongoing support to create successful locations that capture the unique Wagbar magic. From our "Opener" app that guides the setup process to hands-on training at our Asheville headquarters, we provide everything needed to bring the Wagbar concept to life in new communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wagbar Locations
When will the new Wagbar franchise locations open?
Each of our 16 franchise locations is at a different stage in development. Some have secured their sites and are working through permitting processes, while others are preparing for construction or finalizing their pre-opening preparations. We're excited about the progress being made and anticipate several grand openings in the coming months. Follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates on location openings.
What are the dog entry requirements at Wagbar locations?
At all Wagbar locations, we take the safety and enjoyment of our visitors seriously. Dogs must be up-to-date on Rabies, Bordetella, and Distemper vaccinations, and owners must show proof of these vaccinations upon entry unless they have a membership. Dogs should be at least 6 months old and must be spayed or neutered. While entry for humans is free, and you don't need to bring a dog to enjoy our bar, all human visitors must be 18 years or older.
What types of beverages do Wagbar locations serve?
Wagbar locations serve a variety of drinks to suit everyone's tastes. We offer a selection of craft and domestic beers, both on-tap and canned, along with wine, cider, and hard seltzer. We also provide a range of non-alcoholic beverages and hot drinks. For more details on the specific drink selection at our Asheville location or plans for upcoming franchises, please visit our website.
Can I visit Wagbar without a dog?
Absolutely! You're welcome to visit any Wagbar location and enjoy the unique social experience even without a dog. Many of our regular patrons include dog lovers who simply enjoy the friendly atmosphere that comes with a dog-centric environment. Please note that all guests must be 18 years or older.
How can I learn more about bringing Wagbar to my community?
If you're interested in exploring the Wagbar franchise opportunity, please visit our franchising page or contact us directly at franchising@wagbar.com. The initial franchise fee is $50,000 with an overall estimated initial investment between $470,300 - $1,145,900. We also offer a multi-unit discount of 50% if you commit to open three or more units.
Be Part of Wagbar's Nationwide Growth
The typical dog park experience leaves much to be desired—often poorly maintained, lacking in amenities, and devoid of the social atmosphere that makes dog ownership so rewarding. Wagbar has reimagined what's possible when dogs and their owners share premium social spaces together, creating vibrant communities where the human-animal bond is celebrated daily.
Whether you're visiting our established Asheville location or eagerly anticipating a Wagbar opening near you, we invite you to be part of our growing national community. The extraordinary response to our franchise opportunity confirms what we've known since opening our pilot location: the Wagbar concept fulfills a universal desire among dog owners for safe, engaging spaces where they can enjoy quality time with both their pets and fellow dog lovers.
Don't miss the chance to experience Wagbar for yourself or to bring this innovative concept to your community. Connect with us today to learn more about our current location and upcoming openings, or to explore the possibility of becoming a Wagbar franchisee in an available territory.
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Media/Marketing Inquiries: marketing@wagbar.com