Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has secured a growth investment from Great Hill Partners, a Boston-based investment firm, as the pet grooming and specialty retail franchise works to deepen franchisee support, expand into new markets and build national brand awareness through digital marketing.
Great Hill joins existing investor Garnett Station Partners, which remains a significant partner in the company. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 2007, Woof Gang operates a national franchise network across 36 states and has more than doubled its footprint since 2022, expanding to more than 450 franchisee locations open or under development across the United States.
"We believe we are still in the early innings of expanding Woof Gang to serve pet parents across North America," said Ricardo Azevedo, chief executive officer of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. "We are the largest brand of our kind in the country, and the whitespace ahead of us is tremendous.
"Partnering with Great Hill gives us additional resources and expertise to leverage the strength of our existing platform as we continue opening stores alongside passionate, well-trained franchisees who share our commitment to making every pet feel loved," added Azevedo. "We are in an even stronger position to bring the Woof Gang Way to more communities across North America."
David Roberts, managing director at Great Hill Partners, cited the franchise's unit-level returns and management team as factors in the investment decision.
"What attracted us to Woof Gang is the quality of what has already been built: a differentiated brand with a loyal customer following, a franchisee network generating some of the strongest unit-level returns in the industry, and a world class management team," Roberts said. "We are excited to partner with Ricardo, the management team, and Garnett Station as Woof Gang continues to realize its full potential as a category-defining name in pet services."
As part of the transaction, Roberts and Douglas Wigley, vice president at Great Hill, will join Woof Gang's board of directors alongside Azevedo and Garnett Station Partners.
Harris Williams served as exclusive financial advisor to Great Hill. Paul Hastings LLP acted as legal counsel to Great Hill. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP acted as legal counsel to Woof Gang.
Founded in 2007, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming operates more than 450 franchise locations open or under development across the U.S., offering grooming services alongside gourmet treats, premium pet food and curated supplies.
