Walkable neighborhoods and long winters made it clear that Portland was the right place to launch a facility that supports dogs and their humans year-round.
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After exploring markets from Massachusetts to Portland, a Rye, N.H., couple opened a 10,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor dog park at 49 Northport Drive in Portland.
Marissa and Brad Sterl opened the facility, called Woof.Play.Eat., last week to offer year-round play and “enrichment-focused” day care for dogs along with the human amenities. An integrated restaurant and bar is due to open shortly.
The Sterls leased the space last year and have invested as much as $2 million into building the business. Financing included cash, several investors and a loan from Bangor Savings Bank.
“Between the walkable neighborhoods, active lifestyle and long winters that limit outdoor play, it became clear that Portland was the right place to launch something that supports both dogs and their humans year-round,” said Marissa Sterl.
Easy-clean surfaces
Brad, who grew up in southern Maine, has spent decades building and leading businesses across the Northeast. Marissa is an online instructional designer. Marissa previously told Mainebiz that she’s been a dog lover all her life, but taking dogs outside in all kinds of weather made her wish there was an indoor place for dogs to run around, with a day care option.
Portland, an hour’s drive from home, was a top choice for the facility. Construction included fitting the dog areas with easy-to-clean surfaces.
So far, there’s been “great interest in memberships and day care,” the couple told Mainebiz in an email interview.
Trained employees
The dog park has 16 employees and over the next few months, they will be hiring additional staff for the restaurant. They expect there to be 40 to 50 employees. The Sterls said they offer above-average starting wages, health insurance, retirement options, pet health insurance, paid volunteer time and job training.
Menus have been created for both humans and dogs.
The initial opening features the indoor-outdoor dog park and day care. The restaurant and bar are due to open shortly, they said.
Humans can stay at the play area, which has a designated area designed for ordering food and dining alongside the dogs. A drop-off day care program operates in a separate, purpose-built space with limited dogs per staff member and multiple play areas that support structured activities and matched groups.
Safety and security considerations include monitoring by trained employees, dubbed “Wooferees,” and dogs are required to provide proof of registration and up-to-date vaccinations; a temperament assessment will be conducted before admission.
The plan is to offer events such as themed playdates and training sessions. The indoor and outdoor spaces are on offer for private parties and community gatherings.
The company plans to support local dog shelters and rescue organizations through on-site adoption events, fundraisers and special community gatherings.
“We believe we are addressing a unique niche in the market and look forward to opening future locations throughout New England and beyond,” said Brad Sterl.