New England’s first-ever canine bar Park-9 in Everett turning 1 in April

Those who assume dogs don’t belong at bars may not have been to Park-9 Dog Bar in Everett.

The venue, which is New England’s first-and-only canine bar, has been proving skeptics unsuitable for almost a 12 months, in keeping with co-founder and proprietor Tess Kohanski.

“It’s common to see when people come and visit, especially the more skeptical people who are like, ‘this is the worst idea ever, like, dogs running around with alcohol, this is a recipe for disaster,’” she defined to MassLive throughout a recent tour of the area. “We’ve really been pleasantly surprised and I think a lot of people have been, too.”

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Since opening its doorways final April, Park-9 has welcomed greater than 10,000 dogs, slung over 1,000 canine beers, and donated almost $10,000 to its charity companions, a press launch acknowledged. In honor of the bar turning 1 subsequent month, Park-9 is internet hosting two occasions to thank its loyal neighborhood.

On Friday, April 12, the bar will welcome company to a “Park-9 Pack” appreciation night time from 5-10 p.m. Then Park-9 will welcome company for a Giveback Gala from 7:30-11 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. A portion of ticket gross sales will profit NEADS World Class Service Dogsa non-profit organization that trains service dogs.

“This year has absolutely flown by as a happy blur of cocktails and dog tails,” Emily Gusse, Park-9 co-founder and Kohanski’s spouse, stated within the press launch. “We are endlessly grateful to everyone who has believed in our concept and helped create the Park-9 community over the past year.”

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Park-9 first opened at 48 Waters Ave. #1 in Everett on April 13, 2023 as a mixed effort from Gusse, Kohanski and Kohanski’s brother, Chris. The trio already owned an Airbnb collectively in New Hampshire, so Kohanski stated they took that method into Park-9.

“We said, ‘OK, we’re going into business with family. The most important thing has to remain that we will be family at the end of this. And if it gets to the point where we are no longer family members, then we’re done,’” she defined.

While Kohanski stated this dynamic has all the time been difficult, she added that opening Park-9 was “a labor of love” and “an amazing journey.”

The 10,000-square-foot area, which was once a cement manufacturing facility, options two full-service bars and indoor canine park that opens as much as an outside space.

The first half of Park-9 is the designated on-leash space and resembles a conventional bar. This space has leash hooks, canine couches, seating for people, televisions and shuffleboard.

The second half of Park-9 is the off-leash park the place individuals can unleash their canine so “they can run around just like any old dog park,” Kohanski stated.

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However, Park-9′s park is cleaner and safer than different indoor parks, in keeping with the business proprietor.

“There haven’t been a lot of incidents and we do a really good job of maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the facility,” Kohanski stated. “That really is our top priority.”

Dogs who get too anxious or overwhelmed from being surrounded by different dogs can department off into smaller and quieter areas the place they’ll really feel extra relaxed. Owners may also take their dogs out of the park to assist them relax if wanted.

Meanwhile, Park-9′s appropriately named Park Rangers monitor off-leash play. The skilled canine behaviorists assist maintain the peace and shut down any aggressive habits to maintain issues from escalating.

Aside from the employees, homeowners are liable for their dogs and should accompany them always.

There can be no meals or youngsters younger than 12 years old allowed within the canine park, however drinks are inspired and will be bought on the bar that’s enclosed within the canine park.

Park-9 additionally has a algorithm and laws that each one canine homeowners should adhere to, which will be discovered here.

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While Park-9 just isn’t the primary canine bar to exist, it’s the first in New England and Massachusetts.

Kohanski stated canine bars are sometimes present in southern states like Florida, Texas and the Carolinas. They are additionally extra brewery-focused and are primarily outdoor.

“We really wanted to take the concept [and] elevate it,” Kohanski stated. “So we have a really thoughtful beverage program as well as curate a more-elevated experience inside.”

Park-9′s menu options meals and beverage choices each for people and dogs from the “Park-9 x Big Pig Old Fashioned” to the “Park-9 Pup Cup” and canine cigars (a canine meat deal with).

Park-9 additionally has a partnership with Tito’s Handmade Vodka as a part of its “Cocktail for a Cause” program. As a part of this system, Park-9 donates a greenback and Tito’s donates a greenback as much as $2,500 per quarter for each cocktail bought, in keeping with Kohanski.

The charity that the proceeds advantages rotates each quarter, with previous recipients being Sweet Paws Rescue, Street Dog Coalition. NEADS was their latest beneficiary.

“We really try to make it a point to be a philanthropic, mission-based, for-profit business,” Kohanski stated. “I think it’s really important to how we approach our business and how we approach the partners that we’re working with every day.”

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Park-9 hosts occasions akin to breed meet-ups like “Poodles & Doodles” night time, adoption occasions like “Puppy Bowl,” canine birthday events, canine weddings and vacation events.

The canine bar has witnessed the beginning of friendships, romantic relationships and litters being reunited. Park-9 even welcomes those that don’t have dogs to return and play with puppies.

“There was one guy who was celebrating his 80th birthday and his son came in and he was like, ‘dad can’t have dogs anymore, but he just really loves dogs. So we came here to celebrate,’” Kohanski defined. “It’s amazing to see the diversity in people and dogs.”

That variety is what Park-9 really strives to create. Over the 12 months, the canine bar has created a neighborhood starting from singles young and old to households.

“You’ll see one parent with the dog in the park on this side of the fence, and on the other side of the fence, you’ll see the other parent holding the baby,” Kohanski stated. “Then you’ll see three generations of grandkids, parents and then the older generation.”

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“Inclusivity is really important to us and that really kind of shines through in our approach to our mission based work, too,” Kohanski added. “We aim to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for all humans and their pups.”

The “Park-9 Pack” appreciation night time will permit Park-9 members to mingle with canine daycare dad and mom, take pleasure in a champagne toast and bites from Park-9′s resident meals truck Big Pig Barbecue. Entry shall be free for present members and the park shall be closed to the general public through the occasion. Anyone desirous about changing into a member can join online and extra details about Park-9′s Dog Daycare will be discovered here.

Meanwhile the Giveback Gala will function a complimentary menu from Big Pig BBQ, a champagne toast, reside music and a silent public sale. The occasion is barely open to NEADS service dogs, so all members should depart their pooches at home. In addition, $10 from every $60 ticket will go in direction of NEADS. Tickets for this 21-plus occasion can be purchased here.