CENTRAL BARK
Central Bark franchises operate personalized canine care facilities offering day care, overnight boarding, grooming services, training, a specialty retail boutique for dogs, and other authorized products and services tailored to individual dogs' needs. The business model involves selling franchises to qualified operators who must adhere to the franchisor's system standards, specifications, and proprietary trademarks. It targets dog owners seeking comprehensive, high-quality pet care solutions.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
6% royalty + greater of 2% or $500 marketing fund + $150/mo technology fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 35 franchised CENTRAL BARK facilities open and operating during 2023 fiscal year
* Average EBITDA margin calculated as Average EBITDA ($110,991) / Average Gross Revenue ($767,776) = 0.1446 (rounded). Best guess profit low estimated by multiplying the Average Gross Revenue ($767,776) by the Low Tercile EBITDA margin (5.17%) = $39,694 (rounded). Best guess profit high estimated by multiplying the Average Gross Revenue ($767,776) by the Top Tercile EBITDA margin (25.78%) = $197,933 (rounded).
Extracted Item 19 Section
How CENTRAL BARK Compares to Other Pet Services Franchises
Key Insights
- Higher investment than 86% of Pet Services franchises
- Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Pet Services
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CENTRAL BARK Current | $522K - $1.0M | $49K | 6.0% | 38 |
| PSP | $541K - $2.0M | $50K | 3.0% | 502 |
| DOG TRAINING ELITE | $174K - $203K | $110K | 8.0% | 395 |
| POOP 911 | $4K - $26K | N/A | 25.0% | 254 |
| WOOF GANG BAKERY | $184K - $507K | $50K | 7.0% | 236 |
| CAMP BOW WOW | $944K - $1.2M | $50K | 7.0% | 223 |
Pet Services Average 44 franchises | $341K - $688K | $54K | 7.7% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 44 Pet Services franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2023)
Outlets by state across the United States
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for CENTRAL BARK franchisees (2013 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Dispute with former franchisee over breach of franchise agreement, post-termination trademark infringement and unfair competition; counterclaims alleging wrongful termination, breach of good faith, tortious interference, and Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law violations.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a CENTRAL BARK franchise?
The total initial investment to open a CENTRAL BARK franchise ranges from $522,474 to $1,039,974. This includes a franchise fee of $49,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a CENTRAL BARK franchise make?
According to the 2024 FDD, the average gross revenue for a CENTRAL BARK franchise is $767,776. The median revenue is $733,841.
How much profit can you make with a CENTRAL BARK franchise?
Based on the financial performance data in the FDD, estimated profit for a CENTRAL BARK franchise ranges from $39,694 to $197,933 per year. Actual results vary based on location, management, and market conditions.
How many CENTRAL BARK franchise locations are there?
As of the 2024 FDD, CENTRAL BARK has 38 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2004.
Can you get an SBA loan for a CENTRAL BARK franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for CENTRAL BARK franchises. Historical data shows 53 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for CENTRAL BARK franchisees, with an average loan amount of $507,632. The historical default rate is 3.8%.
Is CENTRAL BARK a good franchise to buy?
CENTRAL BARK shows several positive indicators: transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in CENTRAL BARK?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if CENTRAL BARK is the right fit for you.
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