Catering to Canines

by Kerry Andersen

It’s impossible not to smile when you pull in behind a car in the Starbuck’s drive-thru and see an excited dog hanging their anxious snout out the rear window, filled with anticipation for one of the coffee chain’s famous Puppuccino canine treats. The small cups of whipped cream have been creating happy memories and goofy social media posts for years. Many Southwest Louisiana retailers have figured out that catering to canines makes for loyal customers – of the two and four-legged kind! Here’s a round-up of some local businesses that welcome canine visitors or offer treats guaranteed to set tails a-waggin’!

Starbucks 

Multiple Locations 

The coffee chain that started it all! Their Puppuccino’s are legendary and a favorite of pet owners everywhere. You won’t find this delicious treat on the menu, but just ask for it when you order, and your coffee order will be delivered with a complimentary small cup of whipped dairy heaven for your pooch to enjoy. Don’t forget to capture video of the messy lick-fest because did it even happen if you don’t post it to social media? 

Lulu’s Specialty 

Snocones and More 

2735 Country Club Road, Tuesday through Sunday 1-6p (breakfast 6-9a)

This is no ordinary snocone shop. Known for their over-the-top icy confections, Lulu’s delivers wow moments for their pet customers too. The special doggie menu features pup snocones made with chicken or beef broth and whipped cream. Instead of a cherry, a dog treat is perched on top. Pup Cones are $1.25 (or you can ask for a cup with just whipped cream and a treat). Happy eating, Fido! 

Chik-Fil-A 

3435 Nelson Road, 6a-9p daily (closed Sundays)  

It’s not listed on the menu, but at Chick-fil-A, ask and you shall receive! The popular chicken restaurant doesn’t make dog treats, but it does hand them out. There’s a limited quantity of Milk Bone treats bagged up for each day so grab them while you can. Or you can order a Pup Cup off the secret menu, and it will be their pleasure to hand you a small cup of (pup safe) whipped cream when you pull up to the window. 

Dairy Queen

 3921 Nelson Road, 10a-9p weekdays and 10a-11p on Friday and Saturday

If your favorite pet has a hankering for ice-cream, just chill and head over to DQ. The secret menu features a canine treat like no other. After you place your own order, just ask for a Pup Cup. That will get you a small (2 ounce) cup of safe-for-dogs vanilla ice cream topped with a dog biscuit in addition to DQ’s signature curl. The treat – and the brain freeze – are free with any purchase! 

Rikenjaks Brewing Company 

3716 Ryan Street, 11a-2p daily 

Now that we’ve hit the sweet spot of not too hot, not too cold weather in Southwest Louisiana, grabbing a cocktail or a meal outside is super appealing. Rikenjaks features the largest patio in town and invites customers and their dogs to sit and stay awhile! The popular brew pub takes dog-friendly to a whole new level. They always make available water dishes for thirsty pups. Rikenjaks recently hosted Santa Paws offering free pet photos with Santa plus toys and treats for the visiting pooches. Check their company Facebook page for quarterly events like Dogtoberfest – a pet friendly brunch with giveaways. 

Great Harvest Bread Company 

4112 Lake Street, Monday through Friday 7a-5p, Saturday 8a-4p’

It’s no secret how delicious the fresh breads and baked goods are at Great Harvest Bread Company. What you may not know, is the bakery also cooks up house-made dog treats on a regular basis. Made from wholesome ingredients like freshly milled wheat flour, cheddar cheese and peanut butter, the treats are good enough for humans to munch but save them for your pooch! Grab one for just 50-cents or pick up a bag of bones for $5. They are guaranteed to get you extra licks and kisses! 

CC’s Coffee House 

2825 Country Club Road, 6a – 7p 

Founded in Louisiana, you’ll find CC’s Coffee House just about anywhere you travel in the southern part of the state. Pull into the drive-thru and order a cup of delicious coffee for you, and a Pup Cup for your canine pal. The barista will whip up a small cup of whipped cream as a treat for your furriest family member. Remember to ask for extra napkins! 

JPMorgan Chase Bank 

Multiple Locations

Chase Bank has earned the title of America’s dog friendliest bank. Tellers at the bank’s numerous branches keep dog treats on hand to send out through the chute to visiting pups, and well-behaved canines are welcome in the lobby too!

While many banks and businesses don’t advertise their pet friendly offerings, they know dog parents love spoiling their pups. Ask around and you may receive a delicious treat for the fur babies we all love to please. Bone Appetit!  

 Crying Eagle Brewery 

1165 E. McNeese Street, Tuesday through Thursday 11a-10p, Fri/Sat 11a-11p, Sunday 2-11p (closed Monday) 

The owners at Crying Eagle Brewery have made it part of their mission to support dog welfare in Southwest Louisiana. The brewery and restaurant frequently partner up with Lake Charles Pitbull Rescue for fundraisers and events promoting positive dog welfare. Last year they hosted their first ever Barktoberfest. Dogs are always welcome on the shady outdoor patio. If your pup gets thirsty, just ask your bartender for a dog bowl – they keep them on hand behind the bar. Check out the gift shop for seasonal offerings of dog treats, collars, scarves, and other accessories so your pup can look stylish for a night out at the brew pub!