Wagbar is a distinctive franchise model built around the idea of pairing an off-leash dog park with a fully licensed bar, creating a shared social setting for pets and their owners. The concept originated with Kendal Kulp, who began developing the idea in 2015. Four years later, in 2019, the first Wagbar opened its doors in Asheville, North Carolina.

The brand operates from its headquarters in Weaverville, North Carolina, under Wagbar Franchising LLC, which manages expansion and system development. Franchise opportunities became available around 2023, giving aspiring business owners the chance to bring the Wagbar experience to additional communities across the country.

The business earns income through multiple streams, including dog memberships, single-day entry passes, beverage sales ranging from cocktails and beer to alcohol-free options, and collaborations with food trucks or external food providers.

Wagbar’s standout appeal lies in its blended approach. Rather than functioning solely as a dog park or as a bar, it merges leisure, social interaction, and pet-friendly amenities into one destination. This combination cultivates a community atmosphere that encourages frequent visits and builds strong loyalty among guests.

Training

Wagbar® provides a thorough training program designed to prepare franchisees for the successful launch and operation of their business. The training includes both pre-opening and post-opening components, tailored to ensure compliance with system standards and operational excellence.

1. Initial Training Program
   The Principal Executive and up to two additional employees must attend Wagbar®’s pre-opening training program, which is held at its headquarters or a designated location. There is no fee for this training, but franchisees must cover all travel, lodging, and personal expenses. Training must be completed to the franchisor’s satisfaction at least four weeks before opening.
2. On-Site Opening Assistance
   Wagbar® provides at least three days of on-site opening support from a company representative at the time of business launch. This support is provided at the franchisor’s expense and helps ensure a smooth transition into full operations. The support includes setup, initial operations, and customer service practices.
3. Post-Opening and Ongoing Training
   The franchisor may require additional training for the Principal Executive or staff at any time after opening. These sessions may be conducted in person or remotely and may include a reasonable fee. Franchisees may also be required to provide internal training for their own employees using franchisor-approved materials.

Territory Protection

Wagbar® grants franchisees an exclusive territory in which no other company-owned or franchised Wagbar locations will be established. This exclusivity is maintained regardless of performance metrics like sales volume or market penetration, and there are no conditions under which the franchisor can alter this territorial protection.

The defined territory typically encompasses a population of 100,000 to 250,000 people and may be described using various geographic boundaries, such as a radius, political lines, or trade areas.

However, this exclusivity is not absolute. Wagbar® reserves the right to sell products and services within a franchisee's territory through alternative distribution channels, such as online platforms, telemarketing, or catalog sales.