Pet industry expenditures continue to rise in the U.S.
By Andrew Carlo
K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel announced that it has signed a new franchise development agreement in Illinois.
The latest move from the pet hospitality franchise is a multi-unit agreement that will bring eight locations to Cook and Kane counties. These are the first fifth most popular counties in Illinois.
David Bear, owner and president of Bear Family Restaurants, is leading the agreement to bring more K9 locations to the state. Bear and his company own 25 McDonald’s locations in Illinois and this deal follows the opening of the first K9 location in the state, which happened just a few months ago. The Bear family has operated its business since 1967, when it was founded by David’s parents.
Bear plans to work alongside his wife Nicole, who has a lifelong passion for dogs and a commitment to philanthropy, according to K9 Resorts. Gary Dayan, David’s cousin, will also serves as a managing partner of the operation.
“We’ve been engrained in the Chicagoland area for nearly six decades and partnering with K9 is a natural progression as we continue to evolve our business,” said David Bear. “My family has worked with one of the most recognized franchisors in the world and we have a proven track record of success. K9 has built a culture of excellence and is regarded as a leader in the pet resort industry. The founders’ story resonated with us, and we believe that with K9’s resources and support, coupled with our experience in multi-unit development and excellent operations, we can scale quickly and help further elevate this incredible brand.”
With the addition of K9 Resorts to their portfolio, the family enterprise will be rebranding as BFRx Hospitality to reflect the expanded focus. Under Nicole’s leadership, BFRx Hospitality will continue their mission of serving with significance in every community they operate through consistent community giveback initiatives and volunteering for local organizations, K9 Resorts said.
“The Bear family represents a high caliber of franchisees that we look to align with,” said Jason Parker, co-founder and CEO of K9 Resorts. “Their dedication to community and creating exceptional experiences will serve as a strong asset to their locations and our system. As we continue to expand our footprint, we’re honored to provide even more pets with our five-star, unparalleled level of care.”
While making a pitch for its brand, K9 Resorts points to a recent report from the American Pet Products Association (APPA). In its latest State of the Industry Report, the APPA said total U.S. pet industry expenditures are expected to rise to $157 billion this year after reaching $152 billion in 2024. Additionally, 51% of U.S. households—about 68 million—own a dog.
The pet franchise has more than 170 locations open or in development across 28 states.
To learn more about K9 Resorts franchise opportunities, visit http://www.k9franchise.com.
