Former Restaurant Franchise Owners Invest in Pet Wants to Gain More Flexibility

Kris McKinney is no stranger to franchising, having previously been involved with the Culver’s restaurant concept alongside her husband Scott in the 1990s. After stepping away from the franchise world for some time for family reasons, the McKinneys have ventured back to franchising with Pet Wants in Floyds Knobs, Indiana.

The 140-plus-unit fresh pet food and nutrition franchise made perfect sense for the animal-loving couple who have had as many as 26 animals of their own, most of which were ill or injured rescue animals that they have rehabilitated. The national provider of pet food freshly delivered to customers has given McKinney more flexibility in her lifestyle and outlet for her passion for animal care.

1851 Franchise spoke with McKinney about her journey into franchising with Pet Wants and her plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

McKinney: We’ve been in franchising in the past. My husband and I were both involved in another concept called Culver’s in the ‘90s. It was a fantastic opportunity. We learned so much and put so much into it. Unfortunately, my mother became very ill, and I became her main caretaker. We stepped away from the restaurant because it was a 24-hour a day business. We returned to previous careers for some time, but we wanted another solution so we could have some more flexibility to care for our animals.

We came across Pet Wants in late 2021, and I really loved what we saw. I liked the whole idea of the business — we have always loved animal rescue. We have had as many as 26 animals on our property, the majority of which were rescues, because we rehabilitate ill and injured animals. Most recently, we rescued a German Shepard puppy who was nearly starved to death. It was really a perfect fit. I am also Pet Nutrition Coach certified, so I can dive deeper into the issues that pets may have. 

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

McKinney: We like the fact that the routines and systems are  in place already. You have your corporate office and support there when you need it, and I believe it makes it much easier when you have that type of help. They have been incredibly helpful with us so far for anything we need; all we have to do is reach out, and we get the answers we need. They’ve been wonderful all the way around to work with. 

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

McKinney: This is really our forte with the animals — we know we can't rescue all of them, but this allows us to be very involved in the community and help without personally trying to rescue all of the animals in need. The biggest thing for me is that I’ve always been very interested in a holistic approach to pet care. With Pet Wants, the way our food is made fresh, in small batches was a huge advantage for us. We carry a lot of different products, and they are healthier and more natural. 

We knew we always wanted to do a retail store from the get go, so we started mobile and immediately found a lease and got going setting up a store. 

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

McKinney: The business is going very well. We have had a steady increase in sales every single month and pick up new customers constantly. We are planning for additional locations in the future. One of the things I am very proud of is that we get a lot of recommendations. 

People are in search of solutions, and many times we are able to give simple advice that can make a big difference to help people out with their pets. We have become a resource for this community. Unlike a bigger box store, where you can’t always get the answers you are looking for, people can come here, and we can give them solutions, free samples and information. 

I was asked by Pet Wants to be a part of the Fast Start committee because we have grown so quickly. This entails calls to share best practices and ideas and provides an opportunity for others to learn about the events that have helped us grow. 

We have worked through the systems and procedures that Pet Wants recommends, and we still do many off site and charitable events where we set up outside of our store to help grow the business. We also do a lot of in-store events; we have an annual  “pupperazzi” party, an easter egg hunt for dogs, a halloween costume contest, food drives for shelters and we host pet first aid and CPR classes, pet massage therapy classes, among other events. We really try to engage with the customers, so they don’t just come to shop but have fun, as well. 

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

McKinney: Overall, since we have previous franchise experience, I think a lot of people have a misconception. Owning a franchise does not mean that you get rich quick. You have to be prepared to work and work hard to grow the business. Owning your own business can have its challenges, but the rewards outweigh the challenges. We absolutely love this. We know just about everyone who walks through the door, and we know all of their pets’ names. Our stores are much more personalized, and that is why so many people really like it. 

ABOUT PET WANTS

Pet Wants is a pet health and wellness company that strives to improve the nutrition, health, vitality, and well-being of pets. Founded in 2010, the brand’s specially crafted, private-label pet food formulas are made in small batches with fresh, natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet in every bowl, all made in the USA. Pet Wants has set a new standard in what you should expect in your pet food and has created the ultimate convenience with free, personal delivery through their 90+ locations across the United States. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Pet Wants franchise ranges from $131,350 to $202,500. This includes between $57,500 and $62,500 paid to the franchisor or an affiliate. To learn more about Pet Wants, visit petwants.com. Or, follow Pet Wants on LinkedIn, @petwantsusa on Facebook, @petwants on Twitter and Instagram.