Maryland-based dog bar Bark Social abruptly closes, plans to file for bankruptcy

BALTIMORE -- Popular Maryland-based dog bar, Bark Social, announced its abrupt closure on Thursday in a social media post.

"It's never easy to say goodbye. After years of hospitality and being the gathering spot for our dog-loving communities, Bark Social will be closing our doors at the end of business today, Thursday, November 21st," the company said in a statement. 

The company said it relies on investors to sustain its growth, and it was in the "middle of a growth round" when expected financing fell through.    

Bark Social opened the first dog bar in the mid-Atlantic region in Bethesda, Maryland in 2021. The location featured a 25,000-foot indoor and outdoor craft bar and dog park. 

Before the first location officially opened, Bark Social already had plans to expand in the Baltimore area. A Brewers Hill location was announced in June 2021. 

To enter, people could buy either a day pass or an annual membership. Bark Social also acted as a day care for dogs. 

Jennifer Eguizabal and her dog Fig live right next to Bark Social. She said losing it means losing a reliable, sage place for dogs and dog lovers alike. 

"Usually we can hear the dogs playing from our apartment," she said. "It was just such a great space to meet other dog lovers and have a really safe space for our dogs."

WJZ visited the original Bethesda location before the Brewers Hill one opened. Co-founder Luke Silverman, who is originally from Baltimore, shared his excitement.

"We're super excited to bring it back to our hometown, where I currently live," Silverman said. "Really highlight Baltimore on both a regional and national scale."

Bark Social had three locations in Maryland, one location in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and one in Alexandria, Virginia.

The announcement comes just a month after the company opened its fifth location in Columbia, Maryland.

Eguizabal hopes Bark Social can make a comeback. She's worried about the employees who are suddenly out of work.

"Whenever we would take [Fig] on a walk, the Bark Rangers would check in on her through the gate. It really is such a community. That's where our heart is, thinking about the Bark Rangers," Eguizabal said.

Bark Social said it will enter bankruptcy upon its closure.   

It's not clear what happens with those who have annual memberships, for entry and for the daycare. WJZ did reach out to Bark Social for comment but didn't hear back.