The last time we reported on cowdog’s newest location, we were waiting with bated breath for their opening day. Now that it’s finally come and gone, it’s safe to say that cowdog has been a massive success in Kistilano.
A NO-TIP HIT
cowdog is best known for their beloved no-tipping policy. All staff are paid a living wage, meaning that customers don’t have to make up for the employee’s lack of pay by tipping. It’s something that everyone in Metro Vancouver can get behind. A happy team of staff means a happy customer base, after all!
Owners Joe Lee and Ryan Leenstra opened the first cowdog location on Oak St., but quickly signed their second lease after only 9 months of being open. Their matcha, coffee, and café snacks are well-loved in Vancouver.
A SMASHING FIRST WEEKEND
In only 30 days, cowdog managed to open their Kitsilano location and have their soft open weekend. During that weekend, it was obvious that people absolutely adored cowdog.
In an Instagram Reel, co-owner Joe Lee noted the success of their secondary location.
cowdog made a monumental $10,000 in just 2 days of being open. To add to this impressive number, their espresso machine was not plumbed in, nor did they have any food. All sales made this weekend were just from matcha, hojicha, and iced coffee (and cookies)!
Notably, their first location was still just as busy as ever. They made over $8,500 during those two days as well. Clearly, those who couldn’t get their matcha fix at Kitsilano still made their way to Oak St.
This is stark proof that the no-tip model is profitable. Plenty of Metro Vancouverites are more than willing to support a company that is very supportive of its staff, and cowdog is hard evidence of that. It is totally possible to pay your employees a living wage while also making plenty of sales.
If you’d like to try out cowdog’s delicious drinks and snacks, you can drop by either of their locations on 3720 Oak St. or 1927 W. 4th!
