April 11, 2007
Dogs to Get Place at Outdoor Café Tables
If a bill introduced by State Rep. John Fritchey becomes law then people and their pooches will be dining together outdoors at foodservice establishments all over Illinois.
Some restaurants, such as Brasserie Jo in Chicago, have let customers bring their pets along to dine out even without legal approval.
“For us it’s no different than a dog owner walking their animal on the sidewalk,” Kevin Reed of Brasserie Jo told WBBM 780.
Brasserie Jo offers free biscuits, steak tartare and bottled water in bowls for patrons who bring along their pooches.
“We like to pamper the pooches,” said Mr. Reed.
The proposed law, SB 341, would give municipalities with over one million people the right to create ordinances allowing dogs to dine with their pets at outside eating areas.
“We think it’s a great idea. We’ve always supported animals in the dining areas. It’s very French,” said Mr. Reed.
Discussion Questions: Do you expect dogs at outdoor eating areas will become commonplace in the U.S.? How will the presence of dogs in these areas affect consumer patronage of restaurants and foodservice operations?
BrainTrust
Recent Discussions
Discussion Questions
Poll
I’m a bit skeptical that this will work out too well. Restaurants that do this will draw the extra dog-loving customers, but probably turn off as many who don’t want to dine with canines or are allergic.
Some “pet friendly” hotels have begun charging as much as $250 for a pet stay, saying that they have to do a “heavy cleaning” after the pet leaves due to customer complaints.
On the whole, probably a niche that will stay a niche.
P.S. …and why will the French chuckle??? Because every dogma must have its day.
This proposed bill, if passed, will give unique meaning to the Doggie Bag in Illinois and give the French folks a chuckle.
I have to say that I continue to be shocked by the dog-in-food-establishment peevishness here in the U.S. As a major dog lover, I make it a point to visit The Other Room in the Abbot Kinney area of Venice (CA) when I’m on business in LA. Dogs everywhere..oh, and tons of beer on tap, wines by the glass, and an unpretentiously arty, dog-loving clientele: my idea of bliss since I am invariably missing my four “boys” right about the time I’m craving a frosty Paulaner. It always fascinates me how that one interest bonds everyone in the place in a way that nothing else can; hence the shared tables and conversations with all kinds of strangers on every visit. I don’t know many places like that.
All of that sentiment aside, I have to say I was equally shocked by a story shared with me as I was trend shopping at Fred Segal on Melrose. I commented to the salesperson I was working with about the throngs of great-looking people and pocket pooches that congregate at the Fred Segal café. He told me in a whisper that a bulldog killed a Chihuahua there a while back, right in front of God and fashionistas…evidently “dog friendly” isn’t just about us humans–yikes!
I have two comments. I have stayed at high-end hotels that allowed us to keep our cat in the room, at no charge. They also provided cat food, water, bowls, and a disposable litter box. Since we were in the process of moving and didn’t have another place for our cat to stay, this was wonderful.
Secondly, while traveling in Europe, I am always amazed to see restaurant patrons with dogs at their feet, inside the restaurant. As these are normally large dogs as well, it is amazing to see how they are all well behaved and lie still under their masters place.
Why not in the U.S.? To many Americans, their pets are their children. As long as they are better behaved then most kids, I say let them in.
First off, the legislation only applies to the city of Chicago, already named the most dog-friendly city in the US. Second, off, it’s OUTDOOR seating, people. If you dog-haters don’t like it, dine inside. My Italian Greyhound is far better behaved than 99.9% of the children we’ve seen on the bus or el, and yes, I do take him with me in his little bag whenever we go out on the town. I’d rather eat outside with the dogs than inside with the screaming brats any day.
Days ago I viewed a late-night TV talkshow featuring an interview with actress Carla Gugino regarding her role in the HBO series, “Entourage.” Very attractive lady. Very, very attractive lady. During her interview, Carla mentioned traveling to Italy, her ancestral homeland, and dining in the home of a relative. Pertinent to this topic was her reference to stools arranged at the dinner table so two dogs could dine there from plates containing the same food being enjoyed by the human part of the family. She was thrilled, it struck me as really weird, and it was probably OK with many others. Cat ladies, perhaps, and people who tongue-kiss their pooches for “America’s Funniest Videos.” Yuk!
Dogs and smokers have been banned from supermarkets and restaurants in most states for many years, and there are many reasons. Compose your own list. (As an aside, I’m always amused by signs on US Post Office doors that warn, “No Pets Allowed Except Seeing Eye Dogs.” Hopefully the sight-impaired persons accompanying Seeing Eye Dogs will somehow intuit these signs.)
A late friend frequently invited me to dinner in his home (always delicious–his wife was a great cook), but I frequently declined because of the three Beagles that crowded our feet at the dinner table seeking handouts. They got downright pushy. Next step, little stools and their own personal plates. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not dining with the dogs.
Dogs tend to leave steaming piles wherever it’s convenient for them. Sometimes it’s right beside a paying restaurant customer. Additionally, they beg from table to table. If a dog approaches my table at an outdoor eating establishment, I’ll kick it. Probably more than once. Then I’ll be arrested because canines have more rights than humans.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a dog person. My family has always raised Irish Setters. Call me crazy, but I feed them from a dish on the floor and they’re never allowed in the kitchen or dining room. If they want something more, they can go outside and kill it.
If this discussion is any guide, it looks like sentiment runs about 90% in favor of the doggies.
When I think of sedate Europeans sitting enjoying a leisurely meal with a dog or two sleeping at their feet, I want to reassure Bernice that she’ll never even notice that poodle two tables over.
But I have to concede that we Americans can be a bit more, well, obtrusive, and I worry that my cousin Fred is going to be the one who can’t leave the Rottweiler home just this once.
Maybe we’ll need signs, like the ones for carry-on luggage at the airport–if your dog won’t fit in this box, please leave her home…?
I agree with most of those who commented before me in thinking that this trend is here to stay. In terms of the negative ramifications of ill-behaved dogs, I believe that the vast majority of dog owners who know that their dogs are not very socialized would not be inclined to take them to a restaurant or bar, even if it was legal to do so. Not only would they fear the ramifications about what might happen (like the unfortunate incident mentioned above), but having to worry about the dog’s behavior would also prohibit the owner from enjoying the experience.
I think of PetSmart and seeing all the dogs that are brought in on shopping trips. Many of the dogs are more enjoyable than their owners, but of course there are exceptions to everything. I am a big pet or dog lover so it doesn’t bother me to have pets welcomed at outdoor restaurants as long as they are well behaved. I agree that it is and will most likely remain a niche.
The pet industry, especially owners of dogs, is a large segment, with over half of American households filling this niche. We love to pamper our pets and this bill supports it. There have always been restaurants that recognize this, and offer this as part of their standard fare. Add to this the retail establishments (check out both PetSmart and Petco) that encourage pet participation in the retail purchasing environment and one develops a true sense of where pet ownership and the future of retail lie–hand in paw! This bill recognizes this and places a legal position on something which has been a reality in many places for a long time.
With smokers already banished to the outdoors in many cities, I predict we will next have a battle about controlling secondhand smoke for the pet owners having to sit next to those smokers–owners won’t be up in arms about their smoke inhalation so much as they will be concerned about their pets.
The “non-pet area,” just like the “no smoking area,” would be essential, IMHO. We own two Bichons we love very much, but the smaller one thinks it is an attack dog instead of an hors d’oeuvre for a German Shepherd. I’d leave him home. But since this is a litigious society, I’d be worried about liability issues over dogfights and people slipping on the usual “calling cards” left by dogs everywhere. If it were my restaurant, I’d definitely be inclined to try it, since I love dogs, but I’d do my homework first.
Dog lovers look away now–I WOULD NOT go to a restaurant that permitted/encouraged animals. There is absolutely no reason on earth why those of us who are not fond of animals should have their presence inflicted upon us when we are attempting to relax over a leisurely meal. Love your pets as much as you like but please do not try to force them on the rest of us. Since exposing my intense and admittedly neurotic dislike of cats, I have found many other people who share my feelings. I am sure that the same holds true for dogs. I cannot possibly be the only person who would consider them to be intrusive in a restaurant environment.
Welcome to the new Pet Culture! With a declining birth rate, later childbearing and smaller families, people will be treating their animals more and more like children. Let’s not forget that there is a certain chic to pampered pooches too. Whether it’s the $1,000-collar set or the rough-and-tumble dogpack, pet culture is here to stay. The only question is–how can you make money?
Differentiation and convenience–those seem to be the key factors for those restaurants who want to woo pet owners. It sounds like a great idea to me as long as they maintain high food safety standards and overall cleanliness. Perhaps they should also have an area for “non pet owners” to appeal to both segments.
Anyone who has visited Old Town Alexndria, Virginia, will see similar establishments.
Consumers’ spending on pets will probably reach $40 billion this year or next. That’s all inclusive, of course: everything from veterinary care to food to health insurance. Would you turn your back on a piece of that business?
In retail, the pet business used to be dominated by mom-and-pop outfits. But like so many other sectors of the retail industry, big bucks have attracted big business.
A number of reinforcing factors underpin the pet industry growth trend. There’s economics, of course (rising disposable income), and demographics: rising numbers of single, cohabitating-couple and empty-nest households (all of which have high rates of pet-ownership). There is also greater awareness of the physical and psychological benefits that pets provide to humans.
But perhaps a more fundamental (and interesting) factor is the metamorphosis of Americans’ attitudes toward their pets, from regarding them as property, to seeing and treating them as family members. This is called anthropomorphism, the humanization of the non-human. (27% of dog owners and 13% of cat owners buy their pets birthday presents, and 55% of dog owners and 37% of cat owners buy their pets holiday presents.)
I would say this is a trend with some staying power.
Dear Illinois State Rep. John Fritchey:
As part of the bill allowing dogs in open-air restaurants, could you add a section banning cell phones in all restaurants? And could you also add a section requiring cctv cameras to record employee hand washing at all restaurant sinks?
More Discussions
Is Five Below Poised For Even Greater Growth?
Five Below is hitting serious growth numbers. Can this trend continue?Should IKEA Be Flattening Management?
Should IKEA be trimming down its management headcount?Is Legislation the Answer on Visa, Mastercard Swipe Fees as ~$200 Billion Record Is Set?
Is lawmaking the way forward on swipe fees?
I’m a bit skeptical that this will work out too well. Restaurants that do this will draw the extra dog-loving customers, but probably turn off as many who don’t want to dine with canines or are allergic.
Some “pet friendly” hotels have begun charging as much as $250 for a pet stay, saying that they have to do a “heavy cleaning” after the pet leaves due to customer complaints.
On the whole, probably a niche that will stay a niche.
P.S. …and why will the French chuckle??? Because every dogma must have its day.
This proposed bill, if passed, will give unique meaning to the Doggie Bag in Illinois and give the French folks a chuckle.
I have to say that I continue to be shocked by the dog-in-food-establishment peevishness here in the U.S. As a major dog lover, I make it a point to visit The Other Room in the Abbot Kinney area of Venice (CA) when I’m on business in LA. Dogs everywhere..oh, and tons of beer on tap, wines by the glass, and an unpretentiously arty, dog-loving clientele: my idea of bliss since I am invariably missing my four “boys” right about the time I’m craving a frosty Paulaner. It always fascinates me how that one interest bonds everyone in the place in a way that nothing else can; hence the shared tables and conversations with all kinds of strangers on every visit. I don’t know many places like that.
All of that sentiment aside, I have to say I was equally shocked by a story shared with me as I was trend shopping at Fred Segal on Melrose. I commented to the salesperson I was working with about the throngs of great-looking people and pocket pooches that congregate at the Fred Segal café. He told me in a whisper that a bulldog killed a Chihuahua there a while back, right in front of God and fashionistas…evidently “dog friendly” isn’t just about us humans–yikes!
I have two comments. I have stayed at high-end hotels that allowed us to keep our cat in the room, at no charge. They also provided cat food, water, bowls, and a disposable litter box. Since we were in the process of moving and didn’t have another place for our cat to stay, this was wonderful.
Secondly, while traveling in Europe, I am always amazed to see restaurant patrons with dogs at their feet, inside the restaurant. As these are normally large dogs as well, it is amazing to see how they are all well behaved and lie still under their masters place.
Why not in the U.S.? To many Americans, their pets are their children. As long as they are better behaved then most kids, I say let them in.
First off, the legislation only applies to the city of Chicago, already named the most dog-friendly city in the US. Second, off, it’s OUTDOOR seating, people. If you dog-haters don’t like it, dine inside. My Italian Greyhound is far better behaved than 99.9% of the children we’ve seen on the bus or el, and yes, I do take him with me in his little bag whenever we go out on the town. I’d rather eat outside with the dogs than inside with the screaming brats any day.
Days ago I viewed a late-night TV talkshow featuring an interview with actress Carla Gugino regarding her role in the HBO series, “Entourage.” Very attractive lady. Very, very attractive lady. During her interview, Carla mentioned traveling to Italy, her ancestral homeland, and dining in the home of a relative. Pertinent to this topic was her reference to stools arranged at the dinner table so two dogs could dine there from plates containing the same food being enjoyed by the human part of the family. She was thrilled, it struck me as really weird, and it was probably OK with many others. Cat ladies, perhaps, and people who tongue-kiss their pooches for “America’s Funniest Videos.” Yuk!
Dogs and smokers have been banned from supermarkets and restaurants in most states for many years, and there are many reasons. Compose your own list. (As an aside, I’m always amused by signs on US Post Office doors that warn, “No Pets Allowed Except Seeing Eye Dogs.” Hopefully the sight-impaired persons accompanying Seeing Eye Dogs will somehow intuit these signs.)
A late friend frequently invited me to dinner in his home (always delicious–his wife was a great cook), but I frequently declined because of the three Beagles that crowded our feet at the dinner table seeking handouts. They got downright pushy. Next step, little stools and their own personal plates. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not dining with the dogs.
Dogs tend to leave steaming piles wherever it’s convenient for them. Sometimes it’s right beside a paying restaurant customer. Additionally, they beg from table to table. If a dog approaches my table at an outdoor eating establishment, I’ll kick it. Probably more than once. Then I’ll be arrested because canines have more rights than humans.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a dog person. My family has always raised Irish Setters. Call me crazy, but I feed them from a dish on the floor and they’re never allowed in the kitchen or dining room. If they want something more, they can go outside and kill it.
If this discussion is any guide, it looks like sentiment runs about 90% in favor of the doggies.
When I think of sedate Europeans sitting enjoying a leisurely meal with a dog or two sleeping at their feet, I want to reassure Bernice that she’ll never even notice that poodle two tables over.
But I have to concede that we Americans can be a bit more, well, obtrusive, and I worry that my cousin Fred is going to be the one who can’t leave the Rottweiler home just this once.
Maybe we’ll need signs, like the ones for carry-on luggage at the airport–if your dog won’t fit in this box, please leave her home…?
I agree with most of those who commented before me in thinking that this trend is here to stay. In terms of the negative ramifications of ill-behaved dogs, I believe that the vast majority of dog owners who know that their dogs are not very socialized would not be inclined to take them to a restaurant or bar, even if it was legal to do so. Not only would they fear the ramifications about what might happen (like the unfortunate incident mentioned above), but having to worry about the dog’s behavior would also prohibit the owner from enjoying the experience.
I think of PetSmart and seeing all the dogs that are brought in on shopping trips. Many of the dogs are more enjoyable than their owners, but of course there are exceptions to everything. I am a big pet or dog lover so it doesn’t bother me to have pets welcomed at outdoor restaurants as long as they are well behaved. I agree that it is and will most likely remain a niche.
The pet industry, especially owners of dogs, is a large segment, with over half of American households filling this niche. We love to pamper our pets and this bill supports it. There have always been restaurants that recognize this, and offer this as part of their standard fare. Add to this the retail establishments (check out both PetSmart and Petco) that encourage pet participation in the retail purchasing environment and one develops a true sense of where pet ownership and the future of retail lie–hand in paw! This bill recognizes this and places a legal position on something which has been a reality in many places for a long time.
With smokers already banished to the outdoors in many cities, I predict we will next have a battle about controlling secondhand smoke for the pet owners having to sit next to those smokers–owners won’t be up in arms about their smoke inhalation so much as they will be concerned about their pets.
The “non-pet area,” just like the “no smoking area,” would be essential, IMHO. We own two Bichons we love very much, but the smaller one thinks it is an attack dog instead of an hors d’oeuvre for a German Shepherd. I’d leave him home. But since this is a litigious society, I’d be worried about liability issues over dogfights and people slipping on the usual “calling cards” left by dogs everywhere. If it were my restaurant, I’d definitely be inclined to try it, since I love dogs, but I’d do my homework first.
Dog lovers look away now–I WOULD NOT go to a restaurant that permitted/encouraged animals. There is absolutely no reason on earth why those of us who are not fond of animals should have their presence inflicted upon us when we are attempting to relax over a leisurely meal. Love your pets as much as you like but please do not try to force them on the rest of us. Since exposing my intense and admittedly neurotic dislike of cats, I have found many other people who share my feelings. I am sure that the same holds true for dogs. I cannot possibly be the only person who would consider them to be intrusive in a restaurant environment.
Welcome to the new Pet Culture! With a declining birth rate, later childbearing and smaller families, people will be treating their animals more and more like children. Let’s not forget that there is a certain chic to pampered pooches too. Whether it’s the $1,000-collar set or the rough-and-tumble dogpack, pet culture is here to stay. The only question is–how can you make money?
Differentiation and convenience–those seem to be the key factors for those restaurants who want to woo pet owners. It sounds like a great idea to me as long as they maintain high food safety standards and overall cleanliness. Perhaps they should also have an area for “non pet owners” to appeal to both segments.
Anyone who has visited Old Town Alexndria, Virginia, will see similar establishments.
Consumers’ spending on pets will probably reach $40 billion this year or next. That’s all inclusive, of course: everything from veterinary care to food to health insurance. Would you turn your back on a piece of that business?
In retail, the pet business used to be dominated by mom-and-pop outfits. But like so many other sectors of the retail industry, big bucks have attracted big business.
A number of reinforcing factors underpin the pet industry growth trend. There’s economics, of course (rising disposable income), and demographics: rising numbers of single, cohabitating-couple and empty-nest households (all of which have high rates of pet-ownership). There is also greater awareness of the physical and psychological benefits that pets provide to humans.
But perhaps a more fundamental (and interesting) factor is the metamorphosis of Americans’ attitudes toward their pets, from regarding them as property, to seeing and treating them as family members. This is called anthropomorphism, the humanization of the non-human. (27% of dog owners and 13% of cat owners buy their pets birthday presents, and 55% of dog owners and 37% of cat owners buy their pets holiday presents.)
I would say this is a trend with some staying power.
Dear Illinois State Rep. John Fritchey:
As part of the bill allowing dogs in open-air restaurants, could you add a section banning cell phones in all restaurants? And could you also add a section requiring cctv cameras to record employee hand washing at all restaurant sinks?