In a bid to appeal to the growing number of pet owners in the country, Starbucks Korea inaugurated its first-ever pet-friendly establishment on Friday, as confirmed by the global coffee giant.
The Guri Galmae DT store, situated in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, officially opened its doors on the same day. Spanning two stories and covering an impressive 645 square meters with 142 seats, the café crafts coffees and beverages on the ground floor while dedicating a separate 166-square-meter area on the upper level as a designated pet zone.
The pet-friendly zone is equipped with pet-friendly seating, a designated section for patrons to secure their leashes, and a spacious 67-square-meter lounge where customers can leisurely walk their pets on a leash. Additionally, a specially designed set serves as a photo zone for pets and their owners to capture memorable moments.
To maintain hygiene standards at the barista’s workstation, pets are restricted from the first floor. Instead, they have access to a separate entrance leading directly to the pet zone on the second floor. Notably, certain dog breeds, classified as dangerous under the country’s Animal Protection Act, such as mastiffs, pit bull terriers, and rottweilers, are prohibited from entering the establishment. Unvaccinated pets are also not permitted.
Expressing enthusiasm about the venture, Starbucks Korea CEO Sohn Jeong-hyun mentioned that the initiative was prompted by consistent consumer demands for a pet-friendly Starbucks experience. The company obtained approval from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy under the regulatory sandbox policy, allowing the store to operate for two years despite the country’s food safety law restricting patrons from dining at establishments with animals.
Sohn emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding its franchise to accommodate diverse consumer lifestyles, creating spaces that cater not only to pet owners but also to those with special companions. The café’s pet-friendly focus aligns with a broader philanthropic effort, as evidenced by a 100 million won ($76,000) charity donation made by Sohn to the president of Happy Animal Companion, a local pro-animal activists’ group, during a recent meeting at the store. The donation is part of a joint campaign initiated by the two parties last November to promote the protection and adoption of stray animals.
Starbucks Korea’s venture into the pet-centric market coincides with a steady rise in the country’s pet-raising population, exceeding 25% of households in 2022, according to a Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs survey. The pet-related market in South Korea surpassed 3 trillion won in 2022 and is projected to grow to 3.25 trillion won in 2023.
While acknowledging concerns about potential issues, such as patrons feeding pets with inappropriate snacks or unexpected pet behavior leading to conflicts, a Starbucks official reassured that measures have been implemented to separate pet owners from those without pets. The company remains open to adjusting the environment as needed based on customer feedback.
If you’re seeking a qualified master or area franchise in Asia or franchise in ASEAN, or if you’re looking to transform your business into a franchise, VF Franchise Consulting is here to provide expert guidance and support.
Our franchise directory is a valuable resource for both aspiring franchisees and franchisors. Whether you’re looking to advertise your franchise or explore franchise opportunities, our services are tailored to meet your needs.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us through email at info@vffranchiseconsulting.com or visit our website at https://vffranchiseconsulting.com/services/ to discover how we can assist you in your franchise journey.
