This Halloween season, Greater Art Museum Business Alliance Member, The Boozy Mutt, is here to help you build community, whether you have a dog or not!
The first indoor outdoor dog bar and grille in Pennsylvania is coming up on its first birthday in December. We spoke to owners Sam and Allison Mattiola about the last year and what neighbors can look forward to at The Boozy Mutt.
Reflecting on the last 10 months as a new business owner, Sam said, “it's all about giving people an amazing experience and taking care of them. That means that every little detail has to be accounted for at all times. It's about collecting feedback from our customers, and trying to really learn what they care about.”
“The best thing for me is having customers come up to us and just say, ‘thank you for bringing this to our neighborhood, it's so needed.’ We've had so many people come to us and say ‘I've met half my neighborhood just by coming to your place.”
Alex is a regular and Francisville resident who started coming to The Boozy Mutt two or three times a week in February. At the bar, he met his now-friends Chuck and Isabel. They discovered that they live right by each other in Francisville and now make a point to hang out both at The Boozy Mutt, and at parks closer to their homes.
Thoughtful programming from The Boozy Mutt team helps neighbors form connections that they continue to build outside of the restaurant. Meghan is a Fairmount resident and regular who lives just down the block from The Boozy Mutt. The neighborhood staple has allowed her to connect with new and old friends.
“I’ve really gotten a sense of community from just being here, meeting people,” she said. “I’ve convinced a lot of people to come even out of state! It’s a great concept not just if you have a dog, but to meet people in your neighborhood.”
Fellow Boozy Mutt regulars Sarah and Michael have had a similar experience. “I’ve met really good friends here,” Sarah said. “The staff here is warm, friendly, and down to earth.”
For Allison and Sam, working with the incredible team at The Boozy Mutt has been a major highlight. “I absolutely adore our staff and our team. Every time I come in here, even if I'm having a bad day, I walk out with a smile and walk out knowing something that I didn't know before,” Allison said. “I think there are very few jobs where you can say that every time you step foot in a building, you walk out becoming better. That's truly what this concept and this community has brought for my life.”
We asked some regulars as well as owners Sam and Allison for a few tips to get the most of your Boozy Mutt experience:
What is your favorite item on the menu? What should first-timers try?
Allison Mattiola, co-owner of The Boozy Mutt: Wisconsin Cheese Curds (Allison is a Wisconsin native), Bloody Mary, Chicken Sandwich
Sam Mattiola, co-owner of The Boozy Mutt: “The hot dog is probably the best hot dog I’ve ever had and I don’t say that lightly”
Sarah and Michael, Fairmount residents and Boozy Mutt regulars: Brewerytown Fries
Alex, Francisville resident and Boozy Mutt regular: Breakfast sandwich, Chicken & Waffles
Meghan Fairmount resident and Boozy Mutt regular: Shaved Brussels Caesar Salad
Do I need to have a dog to come to The Boozy Mutt? Definitely not!
Alex: “If you like dogs but don’t have one, this is the perfect place. You get great stress relief. Who doesn’t like a happy tail-wagging dog!”
Allison Mattiola, co-owner of The Boozy Mutt: “I call this the happiest place on earth, and so if you don’t have a dog, this is a great way to get your dog fix, kind of like the “cool aunt and uncle”. You get to go have fun, and then you can leave the kids with their parents.”
Insider tips
Sam Mattiola, co-owner of The Boozy Mutt: “If someone is just interested in trying our food and drinks, but they really don't like dogs, I would encourage them to check out our little hidden speakeasy called the cat's meow, where dogs are not allowed. It's a good little vibey time down there where you can have a nice little cocktail and just hang out.” Just mention the cats meow to the team member at the desk and they will take care of you!
Meghan: If you want to check out The Boozy Mutt for the first time without a lot of dogs, try a weekday on the earlier side.
Sarah and Michael: Take advantage of the upstairs! Also, you don’t need to worry about the cooler temperatures because the outdoor heaters help us take advantage of the great outdoor space year-round.
Looking ahead
Allison, Sam, and The Boozy Mutt team have a stacked Halloween events lineup on deck for you:
Saturday, October 26 from 2-5pm is their Get BOOzy and Be Scary Costume Contest. They will have a costume contest for dogs, humans, and the combination of dogs and humans. Of course there will be prizes for all!
Sunday, October 27 from 10-11am is their monthly Downward Dogs with Becca Curry - with a Halloween twist
Friday, November 1 from 8-11pm is the Studio 51 – Space Cadet Brewing Company Launch Party. This is The Boozy Mutt’s first dog-free event and tickets are required. Costumes with an outer space theme are encouraged!
Wednesday, November 6 is VEG's Woof & Wow Gala at The Boozy Mutt! Support the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), and participate in a costume contest. Tickets are donation based and please note the event name in question three.
Whether you are a Boozy Mutt regular or first-timer, these Halloween events have something for everyone. "This space can be fantastic as a venue without dogs, just as much as with dogs,” co-owner Sam Mattiola said. Check the space out for yourself at any of their Halloween festivities and remember to keep The Boozy Mutt in mind for your next event.
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