From 'Gangaji Eong Cushion' to 'Peopuchino'... "This is a Doggy Paradise"

A Visit to Coffee Bean's Pet-Friendly Store Allowing Dogs

The dog model of Coffee Bean, 'Hinggu,' is taking a photo in front of the store model. Photo by Coffee Bean Korea

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] In step with the era of 15 million pet owners, franchise coffee shops are increasing the number of ‘pet-friendly’ stores that allow pets to accompany their owners, aiming to capture consumers' hearts.

On the 2nd, a reporter visited the Pet-Friendly Dongdaemun Entrance Station branch of Coffee Bean, a pet-specialized store featuring a tranquil hanok-style interior. From the entrance, there was a sign indicating that pets are allowed, along with a ‘Petiquette (Pet + Etiquette)’ notice.

At the entrance of the Coffee Bean pet-friendly store at Dongdaemun Entrance Station, a notice with usage rules is displayed. Photo by Moon Hyewon

According to the notice, customers using this store must carry their pets in a dedicated stroller or kennel, or have them on a leash, and keep the leash length within 1.5 meters to prepare for unexpected situations. Owners must clean up any waste properly and either have their pets wear a manner belt to prevent marking or frequently check on them.

If customers leave their seats to use the restroom, they can temporarily place their pets in the pet zone located at the store entrance. The pet zone, resembling a crib for infants, is equipped with various toys for pets.

Inside the store, pet-exclusive snacks such as treats and pet milk are sold. The ‘Pupuccino,’ a ‘coffee for pets’ topped with milk foam, saw its average monthly orders in the first half of this year double compared to the second half of last year.

At the Coffee Bean pet-friendly store at Dongdaemun Entrance Station, a customer's dog is sitting on a dog-only cushion in front of a 'Puppuccino' drink. Photo by Coffee Bean Korea

Pet-exclusive tableware is also available for rent, allowing pets to enjoy snacks or drinks alongside their owners. At this time, a pet cushion called ‘Eong Cushion’ (a cushion to sit on with the hindquarters) is provided. Made of soft material, it offers comfort to pets and prevents them from stepping on chairs where people sit. Coffee Bean explains that this also ensures a hygienic environment for customers without pets.

Consumer response to pet-friendly stores has been enthusiastic. Coffee Bean Dongdaemun Entrance Station, which features an outdoor terrace where pets can walk around smelling fragrant grass, saw sales surge by 18.8% immediately after converting to a pet-friendly store in October last year.

There are 12 Coffee Bean pet-friendly stores nationwide, including Wirye 2nd I-Park branch, Dongdaemun Entrance Station branch, Ilsan La Festa branch, Ilsan One Mount branch, Seokchon Lake branch, and Songpa Helio City branch. Operating over 280 stores nationwide, Coffee Bean plans to increase the number of pet-friendly stores further.

Coffee Bean pet-friendly store at Dongdaemun Entrance Station. Photo by Moon Hyewon

In October last year, Coffee Bean launched the ‘Purple Pet Members Service,’ a pet membership service, which has accumulated 40,000 registrations as of this month. This is seven times the number at the end of October last year, when the service was first introduced. Customers using this membership service receive ‘Petple Stamps’ when purchasing snacks at pet-friendly stores, and coupons are also given on their pets’ birthdays.

A Coffee Bean representative said, "As the pet population increases, customer demand for cafes that allow pets has naturally led to the creation of specialized stores. The usage rate and sales of stores have significantly increased since switching to pet-friendly, so we plan to expand the number of specialized stores further."