Those who think dogs don’t belong at bars might not have been to Park-9 Dog Bar in Everett.
The venue, which is New England’s first-and-only dog bar, has been proving skeptics wrong for almost a year, according to co-founder and owner 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 explained to MassLive during a recent tour of the space. “We’ve really been pleasantly surprised and I think a lot of people have been, too.”
Since opening its doors last April, Park-9 has welcomed more than 10,000 dogs, slung over 1,000 dog beers, and donated nearly $10,000 to its charity partners, a press release stated. In honor of the bar turning 1 next month, Park-9 is hosting two events to thank its loyal community.
On Friday, April 12, the bar will welcome guests to a “Park-9 Pack” appreciation night from 5-10 p.m. Then Park-9 will welcome guests for a Giveback Gala from 7:30-11 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. A portion of ticket sales will benefit NEADS World Class Service Dogs, a 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 wife, said in the press release. “We are endlessly grateful to everyone who has believed in our concept and helped create the Park-9 community over the past year.”
Park-9 first opened at 48 Waters Ave. #1 in Everett on April 13, 2023 as a combined effort from Gusse, Kohanski and Kohanski’s brother, Chris. The trio already owned an Airbnb together in New Hampshire, so Kohanski said they took that approach 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 explained.
While Kohanski said this dynamic has always been challenging, she added that opening Park-9 was “a labor of love” and “an amazing journey.”
Park-9 Dog Bark in Everett, New England’s only dog bar, is celebrating one year of being “an inclusive and welcoming environment for all humans and their pups.”David Cifarelli
The 10,000-square-foot space, which used to be a cement manufacturing facility, features two full-service bars and indoor dog park that opens up to an outdoor area.
The first half of Park-9 is the designated on-leash area and resembles a traditional bar. This area has leash hooks, dog couches, seating for humans, televisions and shuffleboard.
The second half of Park-9 is the off-leash park where people can unleash their dog so “they can run around just like any old dog park,” Kohanski said.
However, Park-9′s park is cleaner and safer than other indoor parks, according to the business owner.
“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 said. “That really is our top priority.”
Dogs who get too anxious or overwhelmed from being surrounded by other dogs can branch off into smaller and quieter spaces where they can feel more relaxed. Owners can also take their dogs out of the park to help them calm down if needed.
Meanwhile, Park-9′s appropriately named Park Rangers monitor off-leash play. The trained dog behaviorists help keep the peace and shut down any aggressive behavior to keep things from escalating.
Aside from the staff, owners are responsible for their dogs and must accompany them at all times.
There is also no food or children younger than 12 years old allowed in the dog park, but drinks are encouraged and can be purchased at the bar that is enclosed in the dog park.
Park-9 also has a set of rules and regulations that all dog owners must adhere to, which can be found here.
While Park-9 is not the first dog bar to exist, it is the first in New England and Massachusetts.
Kohanski said dog bars are typically found in southern states like Florida, Texas and the Carolinas. They are also more brewery-focused and are primarily outdoors.
“We really wanted to take the concept [and] elevate it,” Kohanski said. “So we have a really thoughtful beverage program as well as curate a more-elevated experience inside.”
Park-9′s menu features food and beverage options both for humans and dogs from the “Park-9 x Big Pig Old Fashioned” to the “Park-9 Pup Cup” and dog cigars (a dog meat treat).
Park-9 Dog Bark in Everett, New England’s only dog bar, is celebrating one year of being “an inclusive and welcoming environment for all humans and their pups.”David Cifarelli
Park-9 also has a partnership with Tito’s Handmade Vodka as part of its “Cocktail for a Cause” program. As part of the program, Park-9 donates a dollar and Tito’s donates a dollar up to $2,500 per quarter for every cocktail sold, according to Kohanski.
The charity that the proceeds benefits rotates every quarter, with past 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 said. “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.”
Park-9 hosts events such as breed meet-ups like “Poodles & Doodles” night, adoption events like “Puppy Bowl,” dog birthday parties, dog weddings and holiday parties.
The dog bar has witnessed the start of friendships, romantic relationships and litters being reunited. Park-9 even welcomes those who don’t have dogs to come and play with puppies.
Park-9 Dog Bark in Everett, New England’s only dog bar, is celebrating one year of being “an inclusive and welcoming environment for all humans and their pups.”David Cifarelli
“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 explained. “It’s amazing to see the diversity in people and dogs.”
That diversity is what Park-9 truly strives to create. Over the year, the dog bar has created a community ranging from singles young and old to families.
“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 said. “Then you’ll see three generations of grandkids, parents and then the older generation.”
“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 will allow Park-9 members to mingle with dog daycare parents, enjoy a champagne toast and bites from Park-9′s resident food truck Big Pig Barbecue. Entry will be free for existing members and the park will be closed to the public during the event. Anyone interested in becoming a member can sign up online and more information about Park-9′s Dog Daycare can be found here.
Meanwhile the Giveback Gala will feature a complimentary menu from Big Pig BBQ, a champagne toast, live music and a silent auction. The event is only open to NEADS service dogs, so all members must leave their pooches at home. In addition, $10 from each $60 ticket will go towards NEADS. Tickets for this 21-plus event can be purchased here.
