Bar K Named “Best Dog Bar” in USA TODAY’S 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards

KANSAS CITY – (July 3, 2024) – Bar K, the popular dog park/bar/restaurant/event space with locations in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Oklahoma City, has been named “Best Dog Bar” in the country in USA TODAY’s “Reader’s Choice Awards.” Nominees were submitted by a panel of experts, and USA TODAY’s editors narrowed the field to 20 finalists. USA TODAY’s readers took it from there, voting for their favorites through June 24, with winners announced on July 3.

Bar K has been the industry leader in the emerging concept of dog bars since its first location opened on the shore of the Missouri River in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, in 2018. Additional locations in St. Louis (2021) and Oklahoma City (2023) followed shortly thereafter. Bar K has presided over the reinvention of the dog park concept – from unsupervised public spaces with no amenities and few safety protocols to professionally managed, fully staffed destinations for people and their best friends.

Bar K’s facilities set the standard for the dog bar experience by combining spacious, two- acre, fully staffed dog parks with unique play structures and seating areas, including a restaurant, multiple bars, event spaces, and a stage, to create a unique and joyful destination for people and dogs. Bar K partners with industry experts including veterinarians, behaviorists, and professional trainers to ensure a safe and enriching experience for people and dogs. Bar K also works with local rescues and shelters in each of its markets, hosting weekly adoption events to find homes for as many dogs as possible.

Recently, Bar K’s initial lead investor, Brendan Sheil, led another investment round to take Bar K to the next level. Brendan’s first move was to bring on Tim Schoenfelder, a seasoned executive in both the hospitality and pet industry, as the CEO to grow Bar K across the country.

The Bar K concept is at the forefront of multiple macroeconomic trends, including consumer demand for highly experiential dining and social experiences, the growing recognition of the strength of the human-animal bond, and the explosive growth of the pet industry generally. “We will continue to be thought leaders in this exciting new industry segment,” Tim Schoenfelder said. “It is exciting to be recognized for our leadership position as we continue to create creative new opportunities for people and dogs to socialize together.”

“Bar K is the best dog bar in America, and our plans are to get even better,” Tim added.