St. Pete’s first dog waterpark and bar coming to the Grand Central District
/Rendering of Mutts and Martinis, dog waterpark and bar, coming soon to 2900 Central Avenue in St Pete
Now, Fido has a place to cool off, too.
A passion for animals was all Natalie Conner needed to follow her dream: creating Mutts and Martinis, St. Pete’s first doggie waterpark and full-liquor bar, coming soon to 2900 Central Ave, formerly King’s Transmission, in the Grand Central District. Chris Featherston of Barkett Realty represented the landlord and Joe Esposito of KW Commercial represented the tenant in the deal. A Floridian for over 20 years, Conner wants to provide man’s best friend a place to dip a paw in, while the owners enjoy a couple of rounds.
Natalie Conner, owner of Love My Dog Resort and Playground and the future Mutts and Martinis
Although we don’t know all of the details yet, the facts we do know are exciting. The front patio will feature a zero-entry splash pool, water sprays, and fountains. While you catch the latest sports games at the bar, rest assured your dog will be entertained at one of the many indoor play areas around the property, under the watchful eyes of the Mutts and Martinis staff.
Everything about Mutts and Martinis is canine-inspired: even the menu. Customers will be able to submit names for their favorite beverages, pooling inspiration from their own pets. Does your dog rock a bumblebee costume like no other? Consider entering them into a costume contest to win one of Mutts and Martinis’ Best Dressed awards. You might even see yourself featured in the restaurant’s decor; Conner hopes to put up a Doggy Wall of Fame dedicated to loyal customers and their four-legged pals.
Want to feel even more like a VIP? The bar will offer a special “PAWship Club” offering unique rewards to members (like discounted drinks and deals throughout the other resorts).
Mutts and Martinis will be located at 2900 Central Avenue, formerly home to King’s Transmission
In 2008, Conner opened Love My Dog Resort at 6427 54th Ave North in North Pinellas, catering to grooming, boarding, one-on-one training, and more. The main attraction, though, was the waterpark. Complete with water tunnels and spray zones, the resort quickly became one of St. Pete’s favorite places to pamper their pets. Since then, Love My Dog has expanded to a second location in downtown St. Pete at 928 18th Street North, offering an 11,000 square foot indoor play area and plenty of space to run outside.
Conner knows that every dog needs individualized TLC -- especially the older ones. In 2015, Love My Dog partnered with the SPCA and the Humane Society of Pinellas, forming the “Diamond Dogs” club to increase adoption rates.
Love My Dog features expansive outdoor and indoor play areas for all of your four-legged friends.
“Senior dogs are so deserving,” Conner says, “But are often overlooked.” From free initial health screenings to daycare visits and grooming sessions, these senior strays are able to start their new life looking fresh--and feeling young again.
With most bars being off-limits to pets, Conner acknowledges that some people might be hesitant about the idea. That’s why every dog must pass temperament checks before entering the property, and must have up-to-date medical records and shots as well.
“All of our locations are based on safety and supervision,” Conner says. “We will have experienced daycare attendants on-site to maintain a safe, yet enjoyable experience.” With those precautions in place, she hopes to see plenty of tails wagging on opening day next year.
Eager for more updates? Check the Love My Dog website for the latest news.
