Pet Wants

As pet owners, we want the best for our furry family members. From daily walks to regular vet checkups, we do everything in our power to ensure their happiness and well-being. One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of pet health is nutrition. That is why&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family-2728827" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pet Wants</a>, the leading pet food and nutrition franchise, understands that just as we prioritize fresh, high-quality food for ourselves, our pets deserve the same level of care.<h2>The Connection Between Nutrition and Longevity</h2>Proper nutrition is the foundation of a pet’s long-term health and vitality. The pet food industry is saturated with commercial options that often contain fillers, preservatives and artificial ingredients that provide little to no nutritional value. These heavily processed foods can contribute to weight gain, digestive issues, skin conditions and even chronic diseases in pets.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> stands apart by offering fresh, high-quality pet food that is slow-cooked in small batches to lock in vital nutrients. Unlike traditional pet food, which may sit in warehouses or on store shelves for months, Pet Wants ensures that food reaches customers within weeks of production. This commitment to freshness directly impacts pet health, providing them with the essential nutrients needed to thrive. Pet Wants’ pet food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aafco.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Model_Bills_and_Regulations_Agenda_Midyear_2015_Final_Attachment_A.__Proposed_revisions_to_AAFCO_Nutrient_Profiles_PFC_Final_070214.pdf?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family-2728827" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AAFCO Pet food nutrient profiles for “All Life Stages.”</a>&nbsp; “Small batches, cooked at low temperatures and shipped fast so they don’t lose nutritional value — I love talking about how our food stands out with customers,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marijane-ramos-chuang-3486508?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family-2728827" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Marijane Chuang</a>, owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantschinohills.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family-2728827" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pet Wants Chino Hills</a>. “Do you know how old your pet food is? Most consumers don’t. We love to share that safe and educational environment for our pet parents&nbsp;— they can come learn and talk about all the ways we can help improve their pets' diets.” At Pet Wants, every ingredient has a purpose. The brand’s proprietary formulas are free from fillers and artificial additives, focusing instead on whole, high-quality ingredients that provide optimal nutrition.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-rachu-6a133262?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family-2728827" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jeff Rachu</a>, Pet Wants’ director of nutrition programs, emphasizes the importance of ingredient quality and food freshness: “We ensure every batch is formulated with the highest standards in mind, giving pets the nutrition they need to thrive.”Pet Wants offers a variety of formulas tailored to meet pets' unique dietary needs, including options for puppies, senior dogs and cats. The brand recently rolled out a line of freeze-dried raw dog food options, for example.&nbsp; “The world of pet food is always changing, there is always new research coming out and there is a large demand for fresh food,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxzugan?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family-2728827" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Max Zugan</a>, owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantshiltonhead.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family-2728827" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pet Wants Hilton Head</a>. “The freeze-dried food is raw and species-appropriate. Dogs are designed to eat and break down raw food. You get all the benefits, but don’t have to worry about freezing it or storing it.”<h2>First-Hand Experience: The Power of Proper Nutrition</h2>For many pet owners, making the switch to fresh, high-quality pet food has been life-changing. Pet Wants franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/pet-wants-franchisee-sets-new-record-for-revenue-sales-within-his-very-first-month-2726214">Jerry Luzynski</a>, for example, was so impressed by the tangible benefits of Pet Wants’ food that he decided to invest in the business himself.&nbsp;"Two of our dogs passed around 10 years old, and it just felt like they had a lot more life to live,” said Luzynski. “After researching Pet Wants, we realized that we could have done better in terms of health and nutrition for them. We quickly switched Charlie, our 10-year-old lab, over to Pet Wants’ food, and he's been on it now for a while. It's amazing the gains he has made in terms of energy and a softer coat. He has started to act like he's a lot younger than he really is. We’ve seen the benefits firsthand."Luzynski’s story is just one of many that highlight the tangible benefits of feeding pets fresh, nutrient-rich food. Increased energy, improved coat health and enhanced overall well-being are just a few of the positive changes pet owners report after switching to Pet Wants. “It really feels like a blessing to bring pet wellness to the community,” said Zugan. “We didn’t understand how impactful this franchise could be. When we get to hear the results and the issues we can help the pets overcome, it’s really a blessing.”<h2>The Growing Demand for Fresh, High-Quality Pet Food</h2>The pet industry is experiencing an unprecedented shift, with more pet owners prioritizing their pets’ health and well-being.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-pet-industry-reaches-147-billion-in-sales-in-2023-302097201.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family-2728827" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The U.S. pet food market is expected to grow from $147 billion in 2023 to over $275 billion by 2030</a>, reflecting the increasing demand for quality nutrition.“Just as people are becoming more educated about nutrition and wellness for humans, they are beginning to understand the connection between nutrition and wellness for pets to live long and healthier lives,” said Rachu. That is why Pet Wants franchisees are trained to be more than just business owners, Rachu says — they are a trusted resource for pet parents and animal lovers in their community. “Our owners go through a lot of training to learn about the proper nutrition that is ideal for our animals,” he said. “You can’t recommend anything to pets unless you have an understanding of the entire picture of pet nutrition. It is about asking the right questions and knowing the right answers.”<h2>Join the Fresh Food Movement</h2>Pet Wants is leading the charge in transforming pet nutrition, helping pets live longer, healthier lives through better food. By prioritizing freshness and quality, Pet Wants franchisees are not only improving the well-being of pets but also educating pet owners on the importance of proper nutrition. “This is a very important mission to us,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosaline-hansen-63809813?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family-2728827" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rosaline Hansen</a>, owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsnewton.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family-2728827" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pet Wants Newton</a>. “We had experience with losing pets far younger than we should have, so we are very proud to focus on making the lives of all pets as happy, healthy and as long as possible.”The results speak for themselves — pets across the country are experiencing the benefits of fresh, high-quality food. Whether you’re looking to improve your pet’s diet or exploring a business opportunity that makes a real difference, Pet Wants is a brand committed to enhancing pet wellness.For more information on Pet Wants and how fresh food can benefit your pet, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a>.

Fresh Pet Food: Unleashing the Power of Healthy Nutrition for Your Furry Family

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Pet Wants' low-temperature cooking process and high-quality ingredients produce fresher, more nutritious food, leading to increased energy, improved coat health and overall well-being in pets.

This brand page has been paid for by PET WANTS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Why Fresh, Healthy Food Matters for Your Pet's Long-Term Health

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Pet Wants Closes Out 2025 With 60+ Retail Stores Open and Double-Digit Growth

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<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a>, a leading provider of fresh, nutrient-rich pet food and pet wellness solutions, is closing out a year defined by expansion, leadership investment, and performance that significantly outpaced the broader pet industry.“2025 was a really strong year for our brand,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-fabik-b17a9521">Ray Fabik</a>, Brand President of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a>. “We continued to expand our physical retail footprint, reached 68 retail locations systemwide, and saw double-digit growth that far exceeded overall pet industry growth. That tells us our model, our product, and our people are all aligned.”Retail growth was a key highlight throughout the year, including a notable multi-store deal in Alpharetta, Georgia, where franchise owners acquired three locations from an existing pet retail chain. According to Fabik, that type of growth reflects the strength of the brand and the sophistication of its franchise owners.“We’re seeing owners scale in really meaningful ways,” Fabik said. “When franchisees are confident enough in the model to acquire multiple stores, it reinforces that we’re building something sustainable.”<h2>Locked in with New Leadership</h2>Leadership expansion was another defining theme of 2025. “It was an exciting year for us because we brought on a new brand president, a new vice president of franchise development and a new vice president of marketing,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-esposito513">Angela Esposito</a>, vice president of franchise development. “We’ve been very intentional about building out an already strong team with the right people in the right roles so we can align leadership for success.”Esposito said 2025 franchise development centered on deliberate, strategic growth, not rapid expansion. “We’ve been super focused on bringing in the right owners, people who have the drive to succeed and who truly fit our culture,” she said. “They vet us just as much as we vet them, and we’ve welcomed some amazing owners this year who we’re excited to watch grow.”That focus resulted in new franchise momentum across multiple markets, including a new owner preparing to open the brand’s first location in Arkansas.“Our brand is a passion brand,” Esposito said. “People who love pets and want to own their own business find a natural fit with Pet Wants. At the same time, the pet industry continues to grow. Pet parents are spending more on their dogs than ever before, and new owners recognize how powerful that combination is.”<h2>Building Out in 2026</h2>Looking ahead, Pet Wants is positioning 2026 as a “year of investment,” with new infrastructure designed to support franchisees as the system continues to grow.“In 2026, we’re investing heavily back into the brand and our owners,” Fabik said. “We’re creating new support roles, including a director of retail operations, an inventory manager, and a director of grooming services, all specifically designed to help our franchisees operate more efficiently and profitably.”Technology and marketing enhancements are also a major focus for the coming year. Fabik said Pet Wants is enhancing its website experience across all locations to make it easier for customers to engage, order, and stay connected with their local stores. The brand is also expanding its paid media strategically across the system to strengthen digital visibility and customer acquisition.Esposito said the brand’s growth goals for 2026 are aggressive but deliberate. “We’ve identified several key states we want to expand into,” she said. “At the same time, we’re expanding our support team so all owners have even more hands-on guidance to help them grow.”As Pet Wants enters the new year, leadership remains confident that the brand’s combination of fresh pet nutrition, retail scalability, and franchisee-first support will continue to drive momentum.“We’re building for the long term,” Fabik said. “Everything we’re doing — from leadership hires to operational support to technology and food innovation — is about making sure our franchisees are set up for success now and well into the future.”Ready to build a business rooted in purpose, passion, and pet health and wellness? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a> to learn more about franchising with Pet Wants.

With new leadership hires and booming franchise development across the country, Pet Wants is outpacing the broader pet industry and positioning itself for success in 2026.

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Pet Wants Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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Pet Wants Redefines Customer Experience in Pet Industry

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. —&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsatlnorth.com/">Pet Wants ATL North</a>, the pet health and wellness brand that strives to improve the nutrition, health, vitality, and well-being of pets, will celebrate the grand opening of its Piedmont location on Saturday, March 21, marking the final store conversion following franchise owner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergiodelatorreatlanta">Sergio De La Torre’s</a> recent acquisition of four Whole Dog Market locations across North Atlanta.The event represents a major milestone for De La Torre, whose business has grown from a mobile pet food operation launched in 2020 into a multi-location retail presence serving pet families throughout metro Atlanta. Today, the business operates as Pet Wants ATL North, bringing fresh, small-batch pet nutrition and personalized guidance to communities across the region.The Grand Opening celebration will take place at the Pet Wants ATL North Piedmont store (931 Monroe Dr NE, Ste. 113B, Atlanta), bringing together local pet parents, community partners and Atlanta’s growing pet-loving community.Grand Opening highlights include:<ul><li>Dogs &amp; Donuts at 11 a.m., featuring coffee and donuts for guests and a pup cup bar for dogs</li><li>Official ribbon cutting at 12 p.m.</li><li>Professional pet photography for pets and their owners</li><li>Product sampling and in-store raffles, including a grand prize of a year of free pet food</li><li>A weekend promotion offering 20% off select brands, including WOOF, Bocce, Weruva and Raw Dynamic</li></ul>“This reopening represents the final step in bringing these stores into the Pet Wants family,” De La Torre said. “We’ve worked hard to preserve the neighborhood feel customers already love while introducing fresh, small-batch nutrition and personalized guidance for local pet families.”De La Torre first launched his business in 2020 as Pet Wants Alpharetta, operating a mobile model that served farmers' markets and home deliveries throughout North Atlanta. After building a loyal customer base, the business expanded into brick-and-mortar retail and recently acquired four Whole Dog Market locations, transitioning them into the Pet Wants system under the Pet Wants ATL North name.Today, the growing network of stores offers a selection of products, including fresh pet food made in small batches, along with personalized nutrition consultations designed to help pet owners make informed choices about their pets’ diets.“Pet owners today are looking for greater transparency and better options when it comes to what they feed their pets,” De La Torre said. “Our goal is to bring expert guidance and high-quality nutrition into neighborhood stores where pet parents already shop and connect with their community.”Pet Wants ATL North locations include:<ul><li>Pet Wants Piedmont – 931 Monroe Dr NE, Ste. 113B, Atlanta, GA</li><li>Pet Wants Alpharetta – 12850 GA-9, Suite 1700, Alpharetta, GA</li><li>Pet Wants Sandy Springs – 4600 Roswell Rd, Suite E120, Sandy Springs, GA</li><li>Pet Wants Westside Village – 2260 Marietta Blvd NW, Suite 102, Atlanta, GA</li></ul>The business recently became an Associate Partner of the Atlanta Falcons, further strengthening its connection to the local community as Pet Wants ATL North continues expanding across metro Atlanta. Future growth could include additional neighborhoods such as Cumming and Marietta as the business builds its regional presence.For more information about Pet Wants ATL North, visit<a href="https://petwantsatlnorth.com/"> https://petwantsatlnorth.com/</a>.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 complete&nbsp;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 through their 140+ locations across the United States. To learn more about Pet Wants, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.petwants.com/">https://www.petwants.com/</a> or follow Pet Wants on LinkedIn, @petwantsusa on Facebook, @petwants on Twitter and Instagram.

Local franchise owner Sergio De La Torre marks a major milestone in North Atlanta expansion with a community celebration on March 21.

Pet Wants ATL North Celebrates Piedmont Grand Opening, Completing Final Store Conversion Following Whole Dog Market Acquisition

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Owning a business in the pet industry can be both rewarding and demanding. For franchisees with&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a>, the fast-growing pet wellness franchise, success comes from a combination of purpose, partnership and persistence.The brand’s mission of providing fresh, high-quality nutrition for pets attracts owners who genuinely care about the animals and families they serve. But passion alone isn’t enough.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> franchisees also benefit from an extensive support system and a business model that rewards those who commit to learning, growing and working hard in their communities.For Pet Wants franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-steinmetz-16ba16254/">Valerie Steinmetz</a>, for example, those three ingredients have been essential to building her business.<h2>Passion for Pets and Their Health</h2>Many Pet Wants franchisees first discover the brand as pet owners searching for better nutrition options for their own animals. That personal connection often becomes the spark that leads them to entrepreneurship.For Steinmetz, the journey began when her own dog developed health issues. “She was five years old and started getting allergies,” she said. “The more research I did on what could be causing it and what we could do to help her, the more it pointed to food and nutrition.”As she dug deeper into the pet food industry, Steinmetz found the experience frustrating. That search eventually led her to Pet Wants and its franchise opportunity — a concept that immediately resonated with her.“I loved what the brand was about – from the products and high standards for pet wellness to the owners’ community involvement and local presence,” Steinmetz said. “It checked a lot of boxes for me.”Today, that personal passion still drives her business. Steinmetz says the most successful Pet Wants owners are those who&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-as-a-lifestyle-brand-building-a-franchise-around-pet-health-wellness-2730102">genuinely care about helping pets live healthier lives</a>.“You have to have that passion for pets and animals,” she said. “Our clientele's pets are family members. Most Pet Wants owners really have that passion for what they are doing.”That authenticity matters to customers — especially those who are looking for solutions to their pets’ health challenges. “Our passion stems from our own personal experience with our dog,” Steinmetz said. “It’s nice to be able to help pet parents because we’ve been there ourselves."<h2>A Support System Built for Growth</h2>While passion provides the motivation, franchise success also depends on having the right support structure behind the scenes.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/new-to-franchising-heres-why-pet-wants-is-a-great-place-to-start-2729060">Pet Wants provides franchisees with comprehensive training, ongoing coaching and a collaborative network of fellow owners</a>. New franchisees begin with onboarding support and training focused on pet nutrition, marketing and business operations. From there, they continue working closely with franchise business coaches and the brand’s marketing and operations teams.That level of support allows franchisees to focus on building relationships with customers and growing their local presence.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/is-a-storefront-required-how-pet-wants-gives-owners-flexibility-and-a-smarter-route-to-revenue-2731546">The brand’s unique two-phase model</a> also helps owners get started quickly. Franchisees typically begin by operating a mobile store, selling at community events such as farmers markets and pet-focused events. This allows them to build brand awareness and develop a customer base even before opening a brick-and-mortar location.Steinmetz followed a similar path when launching her business. “We started the business in November of 2022 and opened in April 2023,” she said. “We were only mobile for about five months.”Although the mobile model helped introduce the brand locally, Steinmetz and her husband knew they wanted to open a storefront as soon as possible. “We were the first franchisee required to have a store open within a year,” she said. “We knew that was the path we wanted to go. Opening a store made a big difference for us because we could tell people where we were located. It gave us some more validity.”<h2>Hard Work, Consistency and a Willingness to Learn</h2>Even with passion and support, building a successful franchise still requires dedication and a willingness to put in the work. For Steinmetz, one of the biggest lessons she has learned is the importance of consistency.“It’s hard to get started, but you have to show up every day,” she said. “You can’t close early just because no one is there. You have to be there for people when they need you.”Reliability builds trust with customers, especially in a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/franchise-with-community-at-its-core-pet-wants-local-focus-drives-purpose-and-impact-2729102">community-focused retail environment</a> where relationships matter. “People’s time is valuable,” she said. “You have to respect that and make it as easy as possible for them to shop with you.”Continuous learning is another key part of the process. Steinmetz says listening closely to customers has helped shape the way she runs her store. And because Pet Wants operates as an education-focused pet business, understanding customers’ needs can also drive referrals and long-term growth.“We are a solutions-based business,” Steinmetz said. “We’re trying to give customers another option and provide a solution for people whose dogs may have something like a sensitive stomach or skin issues. If you stay true to that and bring in products that help people, the word spreads.”<h2>Building a Business With Purpose</h2>By combining passion for pets, strong franchisor support and the willingness to work hard and keep learning, Pet Wants franchisees can create businesses that grow steadily while making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners.As Steinmetz’s experience shows, those three pillars often go hand in hand. “It hasn’t always been easy and there are, of course, challenges,” she said. “But that’s part of the joy and reward of owning your own business. If I could, I would do the whole thing over again every single time.”Ready to build a business rooted in purpose, passion and pet health and wellness? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a> to learn more about franchising with Pet Wants.

The formula comes down to three simple but powerful ingredients: a passion for pets, strong franchisor support and the dedication to show up and put in the work every day.

3 Keys to Franchise Success with Pet Wants: Passion, Support, and Hard Work

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For entrepreneurs looking at the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/investing-in-pet-wants-franchise-opportunity-2731087">booming pet franchise space</a>, one of the biggest questions comes early: Do I need a storefront on day one? With site selection, buildout planning, and hiring all part of the process, many prospective owners want to understand the path to retail and how to approach it strategically.<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a> takes a different approach. Franchisees start mobile, selling fresh, small-batch pet food through delivery, online, and at local markets as well as community events. After 12 months of building their customer base and sales, they will open a brick-and-mortar location. For many franchisees, that flexibility is what makes the opportunity not just appealing, but doable.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-hyde-2a05a5217">Travis Hyde</a>, a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> franchisee based in Idaho, says beginning with the mobile model allowed him to establish his foundation before expanding into retail.“Opening with the mobile model first was critical for me,” Hyde said. “This allowed me to focus on establishing a clientele and a business. And I was able to work without hiring employees before it got too busy.”<h2>Lower Risk, Faster Learning</h2>Instead of waiting months for a lease to be signed and a store to be built, Pet Wants franchisees can&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-franchisees-rapidly-grow-their-businesses-from-mobile-to-brick-and-mortar-locations-2726266">begin generating revenue almost immediately</a>. Rather than beginning immediately with a physical location, franchisees are able to launch operations through events, delivery routes and community engagement.“It let me get my feet underneath me and get a handle on the business,” he said. “You can go through all the training in the world, but you really have to get out there and do it. You have to get out of your comfort zone.”Operating solo in the early days allowed Hyde to build confidence, understand customer behavior, and refine his routine before scaling.“There is a lot to owning a small business that I didn’t know,” he said. “If I had started out as a brick-and-mortar, it would have been much more frustrating.”<h2>Community First, Sales Follow</h2>The mobile model also puts franchisees&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/franchise-with-community-at-its-core-pet-wants-local-focus-drives-purpose-and-impact-2729102">directly in front of their customers</a>. Farmers markets, pop-ups, and local events aren’t just sales opportunities; they’re relationship-builders.“The most important key to this business is going to events,” Hyde said. “I do the events myself so I can be the face of the business. It’s important to have those relationships with the customers.”In Hyde’s market, one low-cost weekly event became a cornerstone of his growth. “I have one market that costs $25 to go to, and it is my top sales generator,” he said. “Everyone knows you on a first-name basis.”<h2>Knowing When It’s Time to Go Retail</h2>The Pet Wants model includes opening a storefront as the next phase of growth. By the time franchisees make that transition, they have typically built a customer base, operational familiarity and local brand presence.Managing deliveries, events, and customer service on his own eventually became unsustainable. At the same time, revenue hadn’t quite reached the point where hiring help made sense.&nbsp;“You don’t see the income increase enough to cover hiring somebody else,” Hyde said. “But once you open a storefront, it justifies hiring those employees.”And like many Pet Wants owners experience, opening a brick-and-mortar location didn’t replace Hyde’s mobile business — it amplified it.“With the delivery side, I was able to tell all my customers I have a store now,” he said. “They started telling friends. That helped me grow a lot. And we still keep an events schedule to drive foot traffic.”<h2>A More Professional Presence Without Rushing the Process</h2>Beyond sales, Hyde says the storefront added credibility and structure to his operation. “Once I did the brick-and-mortar, it really solidified the business and made it look even more professional,” he said. “We have a digital presence immediately with our digital storefront and app. And our mobile presence. But having a fixed presence definitely takes things up a notch.”When he began expanding his business, Hyde leaned on Pet Wants’ support system and fellow franchisees for guidance.“The Pet Wants team was great helping me open the storefront,” he said. “I leaned on a neighboring franchisee for best practices. We had everything we needed: fixtures, real estate guidance, all of it.”For Hyde, that flexibility made all the difference. “It really helped me transition into a brick-and-mortar because I already had a client base,” he said. “That foundation changes everything.”For more information on franchising with Pet Wants visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a>.

Starting with a mobile setup before opening a physical store helps Pet Wants franchisees build a customer base and grow their business.

Is a Storefront Required? How Pet Wants Gives Owners Flexibility and a Smarter Route to Revenue

is-a-storefront-required-how-pet-wants-gives-owners-flexibility-and-a-smarter-route-to-revenue

For many entrepreneurs, the journey into business ownership begins with a personal passion. For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kariann-harker-a3275779">Kariann Harker</a>, that passion has always been animals. After years working in the health care field, she decided it was time to pursue something more fulfilling — and that decision ultimately led her to launch a&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants franchise</a> in Colorado Springs.<h2>Turning a Passion for Pets Into a Family Business</h2>Harker worked in administrative roles in health care for years before she became a business owner. The job was steady, but it wasn't the kind of long-term career she really wanted. So, she and her husband started looking into ways they could build something as a team, and franchising quickly seemed like the perfect fit.“My husband and I decided we wanted to do something together,” she said. “We looked into franchising, and our passion for animals. We really started there and haven’t looked back.”The idea of entrepreneurship had always been in the back of her mind — especially a business centered around pets. “Dogs have always been a huge passion of mine — they really bring life to me,” she said. “What got us started in this was Ruby, our pit bull. She has a lot of sensitivities, and we were always looking for something healthy that she could eat.”Initially, the couple explored other franchise opportunities. But when they came across&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a>, the brand’s mission immediately resonated with them.“We were looking at another franchise after deciding that that was the way to go — one because of the support and two because we didn’t want to start from scratch,” she said. “But we found Pet Wants and it really checked all the boxes.”What stood out most was the brand’s focus on pet health and nutrition — something that had already been a personal challenge in Harker’s own life.“The message about pet health and wellness is something we are always striving for,” she said. “We’ve had a few dogs who have had severe allergies, so finding anything they could even eat was a struggle. I wish we had something like Pet Wants at the time.”Learning more about the brand confirmed that it aligned perfectly with their values and goals. “They explained what the brand was, and talking with them about our passion made us realize it was really aligned with what we wanted to do,” Harker said.<h2>Starting Mobile and Building Momentum</h2>Harker officially launched her Pet Wants business in 2025. Like many Pet Wants franchisees,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/is-a-storefront-required-how-pet-wants-gives-owners-flexibility-and-a-smarter-route-to-revenue-2731546">she began with the mobile model</a> — a strategic approach that allows owners to start building a customer base before opening a storefront.“We started in 2025. It has been fantastic, and we have really been well received here,” Harker said.While the couple is currently negotiating a lease for a brick-and-mortar location, the mobile model has allowed them to establish relationships within the community first. “Starting mobile allows us to really build our clientele, and we aren’t just sitting and waiting around while the storefront is being found,” she said.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/the-flexibility-of-owning-a-pet-wants-franchise-2728539">The flexibility</a> has also made it easier for Harker to take the lead in building the business while her husband continues working his current job. Transitioning from an administrative career to entrepreneurship has been an adjustment, but Harker embraces the learning process.“Every day is something new as we stay on top of what we need to get done,” she said. “It’s a whole new setup that I wasn’t used to, but we are learning and we are making headway.”<h2>Building a Strong Network of Support</h2>Like many first-time business owners, Harker has leaned heavily on the support networks around her — both locally and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/franchise-with-community-at-its-core-pet-wants-local-focus-drives-purpose-and-impact-2729102">within the Pet Wants system</a>.One of the most valuable resources for Harker has been connecting with other women entrepreneurs in her community. For Harker, that network came through the Women’s Chamber of Commerce in Colorado Springs.“That has been a huge benefit,” Harker said. “We found a lot of partners to work with, and knowing they all support women-owned businesses is amazing.”The connections and encouragement from other women entrepreneurs have been a major source of inspiration. “It’s been wonderful being able to go to those networking events and knowing that they support women and want women in business to succeed,” Harker said.Harker also credits the Pet Wants franchise system for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/franchisee-toolkit-the-key-to-success-in-owning-a-pet-wants-franchise-2730116">providing the support she needed</a> to get her business off the ground. From corporate leadership to fellow franchise owners, Harker says the brand's collaborative culture has been one of the most rewarding aspects of joining the system.“I can’t say enough about the support we’ve gotten from the Pet Wants team, and the other franchisees as well,” she said. “We are always in touch with other franchisees — we aren’t in competition.”She also appreciates the equal footing she has experienced as a female business owner. “They don’t just wait and talk to my husband if they need something — they support me and treat me as an equal,” Harker said.<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>As Harker continues to grow her mobile customer base and finalize plans for a storefront location, she remains focused on the mission that drew her to Pet Wants in the first place:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/investing-in-purpose-how-pet-wants-franchisees-are-transforming-pet-nutrition-2728325">improving the health and well-being of pets in her community</a>.For Harker, the opportunity to combine her love of animals with entrepreneurship has been transformative. And as she continues building her Pet Wants business, she’s proving that sometimes the best careers are the ones built around the things we love most.Ready to build a business rooted in purpose, passion and pet health and wellness? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a> to learn more about franchising with Pet Wants.

In honor of Women's History Month, Kariann Harker shares how female entrepreneurs can turn a passion into a thriving business and connect with other businesswomen.

Why Fresh, Healthy Food Matters for Your Pet's Long-Term Health

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