Pawistive Influences: How Boris & Horton Is Your New Favorite Cafe

(Image courtesy of Boris & Horton.)

To the outside world, pet owners speak a unique language. This language has a vocabulary characterized by nonsensical nicknames and abrupt shouting. Ask any pet owner; yell or not-so-kind words always end with a declaration of love. Like any language, sometimes there are some communication barriers. When pet owners want to bring their pets to a restaurant, they either have to take the order to go or sit outside. In 2021, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® conducted a survey describing how 20% of American families acquired a cat or dog during the COVID-19 pandemic (ASPCA, 2021). As more and more people begin to speak "pet owner," businesses can position themselves as the Rosetta Stone to this target audience. Boris & Horton is a dog-friendly cafe that combines two of my favorite things: coffee and dogs. I had the chance to speak with Logan Mikhly, Co-Founder of Boris & Horton, to learn more about the company.

(Image courtesy of Boris & Horton.)

1. What makes Boris & Horton different from other restaurants?

We're New York's first Department of Health approved dog friendly cafe.

(Image courtesy of Boris & Horton.)

2. What was the inspiration behind the restaurant?

We wanted a place to eat and drink inside with our dogs. We love coffee and spending time with our dogs and didn't want to leave them at home plus we love the dog community especially in New York.

(Image courtesy of Boris & Horton.)

3. How does Boris & Horton incorporate its mission and vision into its products and services?

We do a ton of fundraisers for animal rescues and most weekends we have adoption events outside the cafe, weather permitting. We also pride ourselves on being a welcoming, community center that provides a great experience to everyone regardless if they have a dog or not.

(Image courtesy of Boris & Horton.)

4. What advice would you give to students and young professionals wanting to enter the dog-friendly business world?

Networking with other dog brands will be hugely important and use the power of social media to promote your product. User generated content is our biggest asset and the way that most people hear about us.

(Image courtesy of Boris & Horton.)

5. What is the future of the company?

We're opening our second location in Brooklyn in the Spring and hope to continue to expand within NY and beyond.

(Image courtesy of Boris & Horton.)

Footnotes

ASPCA. (2021). NEW ASPCA survey shows overwhelming majority of dogs and cats acquired during the pandemic are still in their homes. ASPCA. Retrieved January 8, 2023, from https://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/new-aspca-survey-shows-overwhelming-majority-dogs-and-cats-acquired-during