Photo by Kyra DeBlaker-Gebhard
Washington City Paper readers recently named H Street, NE the best up and coming neighborhood, and business owners Anna Lappas-Collins, Lee Hartshorn and Kelly Hartshorn couldn’t agree more. The partners, who live in the neighborhood, decided that they wanted to open a business on H Street and Metro Mutts was born.
“Anna and her husband have a dog and a cat and my husband Lee and I have two dogs,” said Hartshorn, “and we were tired of having to drive to Virginia for pet supplies, so we decided to open a pet store.”
Metro Mutts (508 H Street, NE) isn’t your average pet store. “We will feature pet foods with ingredients sourced in the United States, and we are staying away from recalled foods.”
You won’t find Iams and Science Diet at Metro Mutts, but you will find foods and treats at different price points. “Metro Mutts will offer high-quality but less expensive brands such as Whole Earth,” said Hartshorn. Mid-range products will include popular brands such as EVO and Innova. Metro Mutts will also stock high-end brands, which include Honest Kitchen and Grandma Lucy. And if bagged-food isn’t good enough for your pampered pet, check the store’s freezer for more options, including Primal and Aunt Jeni’s.
You don’t have a dog, you say? Metro Mutts will also cater to cats. “We have a small section of the store devoted to cat food, treats, litter and even toys and furniture,” said Hartshore.
The store promises to be more than just a place to pick up supplies. “We want people to come to the store and stay for a while. We will show training and product videos in the store, and will feature guest trainers and nutritionists at weekly seminars.”
Above all, the partners see their store as a destination for pet owners. “We are a neighborhood store, and we hope to be a store that everyone knows and loves, “ said Hartshorn.
Be sure to visit the store when they open on April 3.