### Bark Social Closes Sudden Doors Amid Financial Hurdles and Bankruptcy Proceedings

Bark Social, a cherished chain of dog-friendly bars, surprised its patrons by shutting down operations abruptly at the end of Thursday. The Maryland-based company, which expanded to five locations including a newly opened spot in Columbia just last month, announced its closure via a social media post. The chain is experiencing significant financial difficulties as a critical phase of its growth financing unexpectedly fell through.

In a bid to act responsibly toward its employees, Bark Social has initiated bankruptcy proceedings. Patrons were notified of the closure through an email sent out Thursday night. The company’s website now features a banner stating that Bark Social is "closed until further notice." A spokesperson for Bark Social expressed uncertainty about the outcome of the bankruptcy, leaving the possibility of reopening in the air but emphasizing their hope for a positive resolution.

Bark Social offered a unique experience with gated, off-leash dog parks alongside a variety of food and drink options. Patrons could enjoy coffee and breakfast items in the morning and beer, wine, and lunch treats in the afternoons and evenings. Dogs, who needed to be spayed or neutered and up-to-date on vaccines, could enter with a membership costing $365 annually, $40 monthly, or a $15 day pass. The company boasted "thousands" of members and "hundreds of thousands" of customers annually.

Founded by Luke Silverman and Jeff Kurtzman, Bark Social launched in 2021 in Bethesda and expanded quickly, adding locations in Philadelphia, Alexandria, Virginia, and Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood, before opening in Columbia. The company had ambitious plans for further expansion, including a Los Angeles location slated for 2025, with a specific address listed in San Pedro.

Bark Social also secured a liquor license from Howard County’s liquor board on September 12, just ahead of their October 10 opening in Columbia. This newest site featured significant facilities—a 1,044-square-foot bar, a 3,680-square-foot patio, and an 11,307-square-foot dog park. Silverman, who held 99% interest in the Columbia location, planned to hire 40 staff members, including three managers and eight bartenders. Howard County liquor board administrator Kel Berg confirmed that the board had no issues or violations with Bark Social's license.

In a 2020 news release, Silverman, a former reality TV producer for programs like "American Idol" and "The Bachelor," outlined an ambitious growth vision for Bark Social with plans to open at least three locations over two years and then scale up the expansion. However, the sudden financial setback and resulting bankruptcy have brought these aspirations to an abrupt halt.