Honors Projects

Abstract

This project explores the necessary steps that need to be taken in order to have a successful and impactful pet cafe. "Barks and Beans" is a pet cafe created to enhance the community and benefit societies mental health and social wellbeing while operating as a successful business. This project is guided by the research questions "How does integrating dogs into a coffee shop environment influence factors such as customer attraction, retention, and overall brand identity?” and “What impact do dogs in a coffee shop have on a customer's emotional/mental well-being, satisfaction of experience, and likelihood of returning?”. Given the research questions, the overall thesis of the project will look into incorporating dogs in the coffee shop environment, how this influences customer behavior/experience, perception of the brand, and overall business performance in the market, as well as what impacts do pet cafes have on customer’s emotional/mental well-being, satisfaction of experience, and likelihood of returning. This study uses regression analysis to identify factors like the best location and demographic for a pet cafe. Financial projections are used based on previous research to determine start up costs and sales needed to create a profit. Research linking pets to mental health benefits support the project by identifying ways a pet cafe can increase wellbeing within a community. Other considerations are discussed such as ethical standards, possible partnerships, and the welfare of animals. Overall the project highlights the steps taken to establish a successful and beneficial pet cafe that is able to grow and make a profit while positively impacting the community.

Major

Marketing

Second Major

Business Analytics and Intelligence

First Advisor

Kathryn Phillips

First Advisor Department

Marketing

Second Advisor

Diane Conway

Second Advisor Department

Mathematics and Statistics

Publication Date

Spring 4-29-2026

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