Bone & Biscuit is excited to announce the opening of our new store location on July 6th, 2018! Read on to learn about the new store owner as she shares her story.
1. When do you open?
The Bone & Biscuit Co. 50th Street Market is geared up for their Grand Opening on July 6th, 2018. Our grand opening will be focused on bringing the community together; inviting families to the store to take a look around and see why The Bone & Biscuit Co. 50th Street Market is the premier pet food and supply store. We will have treats for kids and pets of all sizes as well as offering double Biscuit Bucks on purchases throughout opening weekend. There will be lots of food and treat samples for both dogs and cats. Each purchase will also earn customers an entry in a draw for either a dog or cat gift basket.
2. Where are you located?
We are located in the 50th Street Market shopping complex located on the southeast corner of 50th Street and 167th Avenue. We are in the same lot as both Save on Foods and Dairy Queen, who both stepped up and helped us by storing some of our frozen raw food when our own freezer malfunctioned.
3. What are the best ways for customers to contact the store for questions and stay up to date?
People wishing to keep in contact with us can follow us on Instagram @boneandbiscuit50stmarket and Facebook at facebook.com/boneandbiscuit50stmarket . I invite everyone to stop in and learn about my passion for biologically appropriate meals and help them see the truth behind clever marketing. Or, just stop in to say hi! Calls to the store are appreciated during our hours of operation (780-371-5760) and my cell phone (780-293-4544) is ALWAYS on for those inevitable after-hours that you run out of your pet’s favourite meal or need some healing supplements for your under-the-weather pet.
4. What’s your name?
The Bone & Biscuit Co. 50th Street Market is proudly owned by Kathy Nelson.
Kathy was a decorated Police Officer serving 9 years with the RCMP and 7 years with EPS. She was the recipient of a Lifesaving Award and the Dempsy Customer Service Award. As a recruit training officer, Kathy encouraged new officers to police the public as if they were responding to help their best friend or family member. Kathy brings this same dedication to her store; treating each customer as she would family. She has also worked hard to ensure that 50th Street Market has options for every income. It is not about buying the best of everything for your pet but providing the best you can with what you have. Kathy is the proud single mom to her 11-year-old daughter, Ryley. Ryley is a child with Autism, ADHD, and epilepsy. Kathy has future plans to invite local services that provide employment support for persons with various disabilities to partner with her location.
5. Who else has been integral to the opening of the new store?
50th Street Market would not be what it is without the help of Kathy’s Dad, David. David quickly became interested in the business as Kathy moved through the application process to become a franchisee. He is now an integral partner in its success and has been caught stopping to pet the dogs that come in to visit!
6. Do you own any cats or dogs?
Kathy is Mom to a house full of fur and feathers. The man of the house, Hobbes, is a 16-year-old tabby cat. Hobbes has always known what he wants and how to get it. He lets you know when he wants fresh water or more food and will even sit and beg for the right treat! Hobbes has been known to jump into the bathtub and then run around the house, soaking wet.
The non-stop bouncing energy in the house is contributed by Kayla, Kathy’s 6-year-old boxer. Kayla has been Kathy’s running partner and at the height of her success was running up to 120 miles each month. Kayla is a giant suck and believes that she is a lap dog. She has a very tender heart and always knows who needs a snuggle.
Providing the background music in the home, and sometimes in the store, is Hawk, a 6-month-old budgie. Hawk loves to “talk” to neighbourhood songbirds and has a special connection with the house vacuum. He excitedly chirps and flies around his cage whenever it is running!
7. What has inspired your interest in owning a Bone & Biscuit location?
I was inspired to become a franchisee with The Bone & Biscuit Co. after realizing that even in the most important of jobs, such as policing, doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason isn’t always appreciated or encouraged. I have found that The Bone and Biscuit Co. is founded on honesty and integrity and those valuable principles are evident at the head office, store owner, and customer level.
8. Kayla and Hobbes hit the jackpot now that you run a specialty pet supply store! What kind of toy/treat do Kayla and Hobbes currently love?
Both Kayla and Hobbes have hit the jackpot now that Kathy owns The Bone & Biscuit Co. 50th Street Market. Kayla is at the store most days and ensures that all new product receives the smell test. Kayla is happiest when her dinner consists of a Mega Dog Beef dinner patty with added Green Juju. She has also let us know that the Kangaroo Bone from Hero Dog Treats is as drool-worthy as is Grandma Lucy’s organic dog treats. Hobbes hasn’t been to the store yet because I know that he will quickly acquire squatter’s rights to a Dogo burger bed and never leave.
9. Where is the nearest dog park?
You can find Kathy and Kayla at the Grand Trunk dog park mostly early in the morning, running or walking laps and working on obedience and with sections of homemade doggie obstacle courses.
10. What is the best advice you could give to new pet owners?
If I could give any advice it is to trust yourself. No one will ever know your beloved pet as you do. Get second opinions and research people and/or organizations that push their products on you to discover their motives. Finally, it is worth saying a second time; the most important thing to remember is to simply do the best for your pet with what you have.
Thanks for the spotlight Kathy!
Are you interested in opening your own Bone & Biscuit pet store? See our franchise information page and inquire about opportunities in your area! ?
Pebbles
I have to say Kathy and Dave are very friendly and very helpful. I enjoy going to the store when I need to pick up dog food or treats for my girls. If I have questions or concerns about my girls, they are willing to help and point me in the right direction. The store is pet friendly and they treat your pet as if they belong there.
Adam Bartos
Kathy is one of the most caring, knowledgable and helpful people I have ever met in the pet supply business. She is well-versed and familiar with other pet service providers, and I have been delighted with her expertise as she put me in touch with an excellent veterinarian, and provided other invaluable service referrals as I need them. She knows her pet food … I swear, the woman can read a label and evaluate whether you are getting good value and nutrition for your pet, or whether you are being sold overpriced hype. Aside from being friendly, helpful and driven by a sense of service and responsibility toward your pet, Kathy and Dave are both such pleasant people to deal with, I can’t recommend them enough.