Friday, Oct. 16, 2009
Boutique Peek: The Baker's Dog! in Myrtle Beach
Dog bones are just so doggone passé. For a peek inside the future of pampered dog treats, walk your four-legged best friend over to The Baker's Dog! (6703 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach - next to the Eagles Beachwear store), a smorgasbord of specialty dog biscuits and more.
The bakery case is always stocked with fresh-baked seasonal treats - on our visit, this meant cookie-cutter ghosts and pumpkins - as well as "It's a Puppy!" rolled cigars, doggie donuts (hardened mini-bagels), pup cups (cupcakes with sprinkles) and giant packaged birthday bones - perfect packing for those dog owners who are traveling.
Owner Paul Reynolds says, while holding Josie, his miniature Schnauzer and store mascot, that all of the store's products are all-natural, animal byproduct-free and preservative-free. Animal-safe ingredients used include chicken or beef broth, yogurt, peanut butter, cinnamon, honey and carob. And they're all baked right at The Baker's Dog! kitchen, equipped with a dough press and a wall of ovens.
The big sellers are the bulk bags of biscuits, sold by the pound ($9.99) or half-pound ($5.99). Choose from flavors including Chicken Parmesan, Cheese Pizza, Apple Cinnamon, Pumpkin and Cheese 'n Bacon, to name a few. Treats will keep for three months - or longer if you freeze them.
Technology is also and integral part of The Baker's Dog!, which opened last December, strengthened by its online store. Customers can even upload their dog's photo to be placed on the packaged bags of biscuits and share that photo with other online members of The Baker's Dog! "I've always had an entrepreneurial disease, with tons of ideas for online stores," says Reynolds, who has a computer tech background. "Tracy wanted a business boost and I wanted a business opportunity."
Reynolds has shipped special orders out across the country - even to Hawaii and Alaska. "We get a lot of Christmas orders," says Reynolds. "We can usually turn around orders in about 24 hours."
Despite the advantages of being online, Reynolds realizes the importance of the store's physical location in Myrtle Beach. "The store is good for local business and gives us credibility for those shopping online," he says.
Visit www.bakersdog.com/myrtlebeach for a list of area dog-friendly stores, hotels and restaurants. Visit the store on Oct. 30 or 31 with your costumed canine and receive a free treat.
For additional info, visit www.bakersdog.com (the store is also on Facebook and Twitter) or call 449-5400. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.