Ever wanted a place to eat and drink while still hanging with your dog? Right off the corner of Crossover and Huntsville Rd is Good Dog Cafe, a place where the food industry meets the dog park. If you are a pet owner, think about all the times you have taken your dog to the park. After thirty minutes, you're ready to sit down or use the restroom, but that's not always an option. This was one of the starting thoughts for Tryphina Renz, owner of Good Dog Cafe. Having a place where people can relax with access to snacks, seating, and restrooms, while the dog plays in the long yard, was once a dream for Tryphina. Six years ago, she bought this place, redid everything and built obstacles and fences, with no funding, just herself and support from peers. It was a huge risk, but worth it for Tryphina and the town of Fayetteville. Renz always dreamed of a dog cafe, which sparked from working in several coffee shops and growing up an avid dog lover. “Why not combine the two?” Tryphina asked herself. The potential she saw in this dream is what drove her to succeed in the community.
Meeting someone who has a dog is always an ice breaker, let's be honest. At Good Dog, there is not one person you can't talk 'dog' with. There is a middle ground in the space where all dogs and people are accepted. “It's a great way to come together and disconnect from the outside world," says Tryphina. “You look out in the yard, and not one person is on their phones; everyone is just enjoying the space they are in with their pups.” This is the owner's favorite part about her job.
Good Dog Cafe sees a variety of dogs, from 200 lb Great Danes to a 20 lb Corgi. Every Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m., the space will hold a “Calling all dogs” pawty featuring a specific dog breed. From Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, to Doodles, the cafe welcomes all. Don’t worry, the business doesn't forget the small pups; Sundays are for 'Calling all small dogs', where these tiny-sized animals can play and not feel overwhelmed by size around them. While dogs have their days, humans can have a little fun too. Some activities for customers include guitar lessons from a local guitarist and qigong in the mornings where yes, your dog is still welcome.
This indoor shop serves a vast selection of coffee, tea, breakfast and lunch, smoothies, and gluten‑free and vegan options. For dogs, there’s a fenced yard with pools for the hot temperatures, large blocks to play around, balls, and “pup cups”, of course.
The large menu includes breakfast quiches, turkey and cheese sandwiches, homemade syrups for coffee, and much more. There is a whole wall dedicated to a countless selection of local goods that Tryphina supports and partners with. They use coffee from Grounds and Hounds Coffee Co, where 'every cup helps a pup'. Twenty percent of all profits go to pups in need. The cafe is proud to use this for all coffee and espresso in the store. Other items include dog-friendly cookies, hand-made bandanas, collars, and trinkets for humans and pups.
All decor and seating in the Good Dog Cafe is second-hand, and makes the store even more unique. You can’t miss the dog chandeliers in each room, where vintage meets canine. Each room has a different aesthetic where you can go to play games with your friends or study for a test, with a calm ambiance. One of Tryphina’s goals with this cafe was to be a place for everyone to feel welcome with all breeds of dogs. Before playing outside, the business does require you to sign a waiver agreeing that your dog is up to date on vaccines and parasite-free. With a $6 fee, your dog is free to run around the yard all day. You and your pup are also free to leave to run some errands, and come back on the same day without repaying.
Small businesses are hard, but worth it, and Tryphina does it all. Aside from work, she has 6 dogs of her own. You might spot one more than others: Whisper, known as the 'cafe dog.'" She was recently rescued during a trip, but Tryphina firmly believes that “she chose me” and has made her life better. If you see Whisper, the spunky, black and white pup, around, don't hesitate to play fetch with her. A special part of the cafe is that about half of the customers who come in don't have pets. The business believes this is a therapeutic way for them to socialize with the community and play with furry friends. This playful coffee shop is open seven days a week until 3 p.m. “It's just as much about the people as it is the dogs here.” So, whether you have five dogs or none, make sure to stop into Good Dog Cafe and support locally.