A popular Uptown dog-friendly spot is expanding with a new location north of Dallas. Mutts Canine Cantina has signed a lease for a location in Allen at the Watters Creek community center on the northwest corner of Watters Creek and Montgomery boulevards.
According to a release, the unique restaurant-slash-dog park will open in fall 2020.
This location is owned by franchisee Pavan Shree, of Ruffined Investments.
"We fell in love with the site instantly," Shree says in a statement. "It has a very European, outdoor-lifestyle feel, plus most people in the community have dogs. My wife and I are from South Africa, where shopping styles are more catered towards the European model, so it felt like home to us instantly."
The first Mutts Canine Cantina opened in Dallas' Uptown neighborhood in 2013. It's not your average dog park, but instead is a dual-concept with a walk-up bar and food options such as Mutts Original Chicken Sandwich, burgers, fried-pickles, and milkshakes.
The concept has become a staple for dog owners in Uptown Dallas. A second location opened in Fort Worth near the Shops at Clearfork in 2018. Allen will be the third.
Until recently, Allen had a dog park called Canine Commons at the Village at Allen, the center at the intersection of US-75 and Stacy Road. Never envisioned as a permanent park, Canine Commons was closed in the fall to make room for more retail.
"Following the recent closing of Canine Commons at the Village, the city has been missing a dedicated dog park," says Watters Creek manager Mike Tumulty. "Mutts will be a vital addition to our community – not only Watters Creek, but Allen as a whole."
Watters Creek is currently home to 342 multifamily units, but more than 900 multifamily units and 300 single family homes are under development in the area immediately west of Watters Creek.
"With all of the residential development happening right in our own backyard, Watters Creek has sought to create a quality, dog-friendly environment, and Mutts will be the cornerstone of those efforts," Tumulty says.
"We are extremely excited to grow Mutts' footprint within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex,” said Michelle Boggs, Managing Partner of Mutts. "This location will draw from many nearby communities as surrounding developments continue to grow at a meteoric pace."
Mutts operates on a membership model, with different rates depending on how many dogs you own. If you own one dog, you can get a monthly pass for $17, or a yearly pass for $170. You can also pay a day rate for a single visit at $9 for one dog.
It comes with free wi-fi for members; "bark rangers" who provide water and keep the park tidy; and a dog-washing area.
Each location features two enclosed, fenced lawn spaces where dogs can exercise, run, and play in both shaded and unshaded areas, while owners relax and socialize. Hours are 6 am-10 pm.
