Finding the right hairdresser can be difficult. The same goes with dogs.
When Jason and Rachael Champion moved to Virginia Beach from Raleigh, North Carolina, they had a hard time finding a place to groom their two golden doodles.
Jason Champion said he was looking for a new grocery store, pediatrician, day care and dog groomer. Their dogs require haircuts every eight weeks.
“We were used to a certain experience in Raleigh at Woof Gang and searched for a similar place in Virginia Beach,” Champion said. “We couldn’t find anything like it.”
He said he loved the personal touch at Woof Gang and liked spoiling his dogs with unique treats on the way out the door.
So, the couple decided to open up their own Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming in the Marketplace at Hilltop. The franchise, founded in 2007, has over 200 locations and offers personalized grooming services, gourmet treats, pet care, accessories and nutrition products.
“Opening a Woof Gang wasn’t in our thoughts until we settled in Virginia Beach for a little over a year,” Champion said. “We never would have chosen this as a business opportunity if it wasn’t something we could enjoy and be a part of.”
The chic dog store, decorated with pink walls and a chandelier, pampers pets with luxury spa services and gourmet treats. The grooming service offers cuts, shampoos, nail trimming and ear cleansing. Special spa upgrades include nail painting, blueberry pie facials and teeth brushing.
The upscale retail area displays an array of treats that are rotated with seasonal themes and holidays. A dedicated birthday section features fun birthday hats, glittery crowns, plush cupcake toys and birthday bows. Birthday treats include frosted birthday bones, cupcakes and full birthday cakes that come with a candle and personalization. Other gourmet bakery items such as cannoli, chocolate covered pretzels, donuts and frosted paws can be found elegantly displayed on tiered trays and on serving plates.
Skylar Strausbaugh, a Woof Gang employee, said it’s nice to be able to pick up a reward for the dog after grooming.
“We try to keep it fun for the dog so grooming isn’t stressful,” Strausbaugh said.
Customers will also find a farmers market section that sells pig ears, bully sticks, antlers and other uncommon treats that aren’t easily found in stores. Additionally, Woof Gang carries dog food, shampoo, CBD treats, ear cleaning supplies, collars, leashes and toys.
“We hope Woof Gang becomes a staple in Virginia Beach,” Champion said. “Personally, I have always found it near impossible to leave from a great grooming experience and not get a specialty treat for my boys.”
741 First Colonial Road
757-937-0282
Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net
