Couple starts Naperville pet food business with dog’s approval

It all arrived down to Augie.

When Jaclynn and Evan Berna weighed solutions for moving into the franchising place, they gravitated toward Pet Wishes simply because they beloved animals and appreciated the concept of a corporation offering fresh, nutritious food stuff selections for dog and cat homeowners.

1st, even though, the choice had to be Augie-accredited. Confronted with the “Pet Desires Obstacle,” their 5-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback experienced the final say.

“He is an angel,” Jaclynn Berna stated. “A hundred-pound lap canine.”

The “Pet Needs Challenge” is uncomplicated. Put a cup of a dog’s typical food items following to a cup of Pet Wishes food items and see which one particular they want extra.

With Augie the choice was very clear.

“He went straight to the Pet Would like foods and ate it,” Jaclynn Berna said. “Then he saved staring at me like he wished additional of it. We transitioned him to Pet Wants entire time and he enjoys it.”

The Woodridge couple’s changeover to setting up a Pet Would like franchise also moved quickly. In July they commenced discussions with firm representatives. They received married in September, signed a franchise agreement in December, experienced in January and begun offering to buyers in February.

They did it all when keeping their positions in the logistics field.

Their territory is technically Naperville and Warrenville, but they deliver over and above those borders for the reason that there aren’t any other franchisees nearby. In May perhaps they’re going to open a retail store at 630 E. Ogden Ave. in Naperville.

“As a substitute of heading to all these big suppliers, you can buy from a tiny, domestically owned enterprise with a healthier and nutritious brand and product or service,” Evan Berna stated. “We want it to be relaxed and fulfilling for people so they can maintain their animals nutritious and pleased.”

Until eventually they open up the Naperville shop, the primary business enterprise design is shipping and delivery. Clients can obtain what they want when they want it, or they can commence a subscription for food and treats at the Pet Would like web page.

The foodstuff is transported fresh new from Cincinnati, and inventory is turned about inside a thirty day period or two. The foods begins contemporary and can remain that way for the reason that prospects can purchase by the pound. They don’t have to acquire 25-pound luggage.

Pet Desires possibilities incorporate salmon, duck, whitefish, rooster, lamb and other main components. The Bernas claimed the excess protein implies they’re feeding Augie three cups a day as an alternative of the four cups they served him with his previous food items.

As the Bernas settle into the market, they’re searching for exposure main up to the opening of their keep. They’re signing up for farmers’ markets, cruise nights and mall kiosks to get the term out.

“There are so lots of pet stores that are the exact now,” Jaclynn Berna stated. “To have a person which is unique in the variety of foods it has and the quality of food stuff truly was appealing to us.”