Working Like Dogs

🪺 May Updates from the Zoomies pack 🐣

Hi everyone,

We’ve been quieter than usual over the past several weeks, which usually means one of two things: either nothing is happening, or so much is happening we’re not even sure how to talk about it.

In this case, it’s the second one.

Since signing the lease for Zoomies 8 months ago, we’ve been moshing through the dense, hairy work of turning a vacant 24,000-square-foot warehouse into an indoor dog park, bar, café, daycare, boarding, grooming, and community space.

In that time, we’ve gotten the liquor moratorium lifted, developed the architectural plans, submitted for building permits, received comments back from the city, made updates, resubmitted, waited for more comments, hired our general contractor, completed demolition, finalized construction pricing, and began awarding contracts to subcontractors.

On the operations side, we hired Justin, our beloved Director of Operations, and have been setting up everything needed to actually run this place once it opens: staffing plans, job descriptions, operating procedures, business licensing (including liquor licensing), technology, reporting, suppliers, menus, equipment, furniture, insurance, membership agreements, waivers, and the many, many other behind-the-scenes pieces that make our business work.

We were also recently featured in Inc. Magazine, which still feels surreal. That comes on top of recent coverage from Block Club Chicago, NBC 5, and FOX 32, all of which has helped more people discover what we’re building.  And since January, we’ve been preselling early bird memberships — a huge thank you to everyone who has already purchased one. Those early purchases have helped demonstrate real demand for Zoomies, which has been meaningful as we continue fundraising.

So, that’s the progress.

Now for the timing update.

When we shared our last progress report, demolition was underway and we were aiming for a summer 2026 grand opening. Since then, we’ve learned that our originally planned July opening is no longer feasible. We are now targeting an October opening. 

The biggest reason is that the permitting process has taken longer than we forecasted and, through that process, the city has required several infrastructure upgrades that expanded the scope and cost of the buildout. The largest example is HVAC. The space came with brand new HVAC equipment that we believed would meet our needs, but compliance with city requirements calls for a larger system than the building’s existing units can provide.

Those infrastructure upgrades have stretched the timeline and increased the buildout budget, creating a funding gap we’re now working to close. Construction is the most expensive phase of the project, and once it starts, it will move quickly. Before we can really hit the ground running, we need the remaining buildout capital ready to deploy so we can keep the project moving without interruption.

On the bright side, we have already raised a significant portion of what we need, and the conversations we are having now are encouraging. Closing that final gap is the key piece we’re working through and we are not sitting around hoping the universe magically drops a bag of money on Elston Avenue.

Although, for the record, we would 1000% accept the bag 💰🤑

Justin and I are hitting every angle we can think of: LITERALLY pounding the pavement (check out my killer wearable sign), drumming up new investor conversations, talking to every lender, DMing dog-loving celebrities (yes, seriously), soliciting strategic partnerships, crowdfunding, and everything in between.

We are in the final stretch of bringing Zoomies to life, and at this stage, a single introduction could be the catalyst that helps us close the remaining funding gap and keep construction moving.

So here’s the ask:

If you know an investor, business owner, strategic partner, or well-connected Chicago person who might be interested in what we’re building, particularly the kind of person who likes backing ambitious local businesses with decidedly unconventional but deeply committed founders, we would love an introduction. Just reply to this email and we’ll take it from there.

Other ways you can help include signing up for a discounted early bird membership, telling your friends about Zoomies, or simply continuing to cheer us on from the internet sidelines. Those displays of support keep our emotional gas tanks full and further prove how psyched Chicago is about Zoomies. 

Important note for anyone considering an early bird membership, we want you to know that 100% of presale membership funds are set aside and will remain untouched until we open. We are not using those funds for construction or pre-opening expenses, so we can fully honor our commitments to early members, including our refund policy.

Click Here to Save Money & Support Zoomies

We know waiting is not the fun part. The fun part is when our future selves are hanging out in a comfortable space full of dogs sprinting around, drinking coffee or cocktails, and Chicago finally has the indoor dog park it deserves. 🐕💨💨💨💨💨

That is still exactly what we are building toward.

We’re almost there, Chicago.

Grateful to have you along for the journey.

Sincerely,

Devon

Founder, Zoomies