Dog Park And Restaurant Sets Opening Date In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Barkhaus, a dog park and restaurant concept, will open on Saturday, Oct. 17 in Alexandria. It is located at 529 East Howell Avenue, the former location of Flat Top Burger.

The business features an off-leash indoor and outdoor dog park, as well as a food and drink component. Dog owners will be able to enjoy food and drinks while their pets play in the dog park. Dogs must be on leash in any dining areas. However, anyone can visit even if they don't have a dog. Off-leash areas are enclosed with fences and have double entries to keep dogs from escaping.

Dog owners must register as members and provide proof of vaccinations before attending. Yearly and monthly memberships are available, as well as daily passes. Memberships are not required for visitors without dogs. However, reservations will be required for all visits during opening weekend, Oct. 17 and 18.

The restaurant features a menu collaboration with The Laughing Pig, a catering company based in Cody, Wyoming specializing in high-end meals for weddings, events and celebrity teams. The Laughing Pig's Jacob Scott and Porter Koury developed a menu for the Barkhaus owners. Along with food, Barkhaus will offer locally sourced craft beer and wine will also be featured.

The co-owners, Alex Benbassat and Justin LeGore, are Virginia Tech alumni who were inspired by a local dog park and bar they visited after moving to Charlotte. After they became business partners and decided to open a business in Alexandria, they worked with the Alexandria Small Business Development Center and received guidance from Virginia Tech and the city. Their first major interaction with the community happened at the Old Town Beer, Wine and Dog Festival, which they hosted in 2019 to provide a mockup of what the business will look like.

For more information, visit brewskisbarkhaus.com and the business FAQ page.