Del Ray's Dog Bar To Transform Under New Ownership

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Barkhaus, which became the DC region's first dog bar when it opened in 2020, will transform into a dog social club under new ownership.

The part restaurant, part dog park concept had opened in fall 2020 at 529 East Howell Avenue, Alexandria, VA, the former home of Flat Top Burger. Now the expanding Bark Social announced it had acquired Barkhaus.

Bark Social, a growing brand in the Mid-Atlantic will turn Barkhaus into a social club for dogs. The 6,000-square-foot facility will remain a dog bar where dogs, dog owners and patrons without a dog are invited. The business will provide "Bark Ranger" staff to keep dogs safe. Liquor will be added to the bar menu, and a new boutique will be added to sell dog and human items. Regular events will continue to be offered at the business.

"We are excited to unleash joy in Alexandria and build upon the community Barkhaus has built," said Luke Silverman, co-founder and president of Bark Social, which has locations in Bethesda, Baltimore and Philadelphia. "As more dog lovers look for fun and safe places to bring their dogs, we are eager to meet the demand with our new locations."

Barkhaus had been founded by Alex Benbassat and Justin LeGores, two Virginia Tech roommates. The business was envisioned as a place for people to enjoy food and drinks while dogs play in the indoor and outdoor off-leash dog park. Dogs must be registered and have proof of vaccinations before attending.

After three years in business, the owners sought an acquisition or merging partner for Barkhaus. They chose Bark Social, which is in the midst of growing in the Mid-Atlantic region and West Coast. Benbassat plans to remain an operating partner at Bark Social and will lead the Alexandria team.

"Their innovative business model for Bark Social deeply resonated with what we, at Barkhaus, have always aspired to be," said Benbassat. "We couldn’t be more excited to join the Bark Social family."

Aside from the acquisition of Barkhaus, Bark Social is planning a Los Angeles location and a second California location. With the expansion across the U.S., Harvard graduate Charlene Lee was named a co-founder at Bark Socialto assist co-founder Silverman.