Kriser's Natural
Owners with pet education and supplies.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | investor investor | €0.0 | round |
N/A | Growth Equity VC | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Kriser's Natural Pet operates as a specialty retailer focused on all-natural pet food, treats, supplies, and grooming services. The company targets health-conscious pet owners, positioning itself in the market by providing a curated selection of products free from common fillers like corn, soy, and by-products. Revenue is generated through the in-store and online sale of these premium pet products and services such as grooming.
The company was founded in Chicago in 2006 by Brad Kriser. Kriser, a lifelong pet owner, was inspired to enter the pet wellness space after witnessing the positive effects of a natural diet on his own pets. His journey began in 2000 with a pet care facility named The Barking Lot, which offered services and a small selection of natural pet supplies. The success of the retail component led him to identify a gap in the market between large big-box stores and small, hobbyist-run shops. He established Kriser's to offer a more educational and trustworthy shopping experience, famously opening the first store across the street from a Petco to prove the concept's viability. The business expanded from Chicago to other health-conscious markets, including Southern California, Denver, and Houston.
Over the years, Kriser's secured growth capital from investors such as Alliance Consumer Growth, River Hollow Partners, and Mistral Equity Partners. A significant milestone occurred in 2017 when the company was acquired by Independent Pet Partners (IPP), a holding company that also owned other pet retail chains. As part of IPP, Kriser expanded his role to become Chief Education Officer, focusing on promoting pet wellness education. Following the bankruptcy of Independent Pet Partners in early 2023, the assets of Kriser's, along with other IPP stores, were acquired by various entities, with a subsidiary of Target Group Inc. taking over a number of locations.
Keywords: natural pet food, pet supplies retailer, pet grooming services, Brad Kriser, pet wellness, healthy pet products, all-natural pet treats, pet nutrition, specialty pet retail, The Barking Lot, Independent Pet Partners, Chicago startups, pet care industry, organic pet products, curated pet products