
Building Broken Leash was anything but easy, but here we are—one month into opening, and we couldn’t be prouder.
What started as an idea in 2020 turned into years of hustling, planning, and problem-solving to bring Charleston’s first off-leash dog park and bar to life.
Was it easy? No.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.
Here’s a look at how we got here:
🐾 The Vision (2020-2021):
- The idea of Broken Leash Dog Park & Bar was born, fueled by a love for dogs and a dream of creating a space where pups and their people could socialize.
- By October 2021, we nailed down our branding—Broken Leash officially had an identity.
🐾 Finding the Right Spot (2022):
- In March 2022, I met Shannon, and she soon became my business partner. Together, we set out to turn Broken Leash from a dream into reality.
- The search for funding was already underway, but securing the right financial backing and finding the perfect location were still major hurdles.
- After months of searching, our offer on 8811 Old University Blvd was accepted in November.
🐾 Making It Official (2023):
- February 2023: We officially owned the land.
- April 2023: The permit process with the City of North Charleston kicked off. (Spoiler: This was a long, frustrating road.)
- Late 2023: The second SBA loan application, bank negotiations, and (finally) getting the building permit approved in December.
🐾 Breaking Ground (2024):
- March 2024: We broke ground on construction!
- November 2024: Payroll started. (That moment when it all felt real).
- If only it went as planned. Delays, unexpected hurdles, and an intense learning curve meant we had to scrap our original soft opening plan and dive in headfirst in December.
- December 2024:
- Temporary Certificate of Occupancy December 9 —YES! 🙌🏽
- Ribbon cutting December 13 with the Chamber of Commerce 🎀
- Grand Opening on December 14. Doors open, drinks pouring, dogs playing, and Charleston’s newest dog bar officially opened. 🥂🍾
🐾 Where We Stand Today (2025 & Beyond):
- January 2025: We received our Final Certificate of Occupancy.
Now, we’re one month in and loving every minute of seeing pups and their people enjoy this space we worked so hard to create.
As if opening wasn’t exciting enough, we also had the incredible opportunity to share our story on Palmetto Life! Filmed at the end of 2024 and aired in early 2025, this feature gave us a chance to introduce Charleston to Broken Leash on a whole new level.
Looking Back: Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. It was hard. It was stressful. And it was 100% worth every obstacle we pushed through.
Looking Forward: What’s Next?
We’re working on exciting events, exclusive membership perks, and making Broken Leash even better.
👉 If you haven’t visited yet, here’s what you need to know:
✅ Come with a dog, or just come for a drink! Pups or no pups, you’re always welcome.
✅ No mud, no mess! Our artificial turf keeps paws (and shoes) clean—during and after rains.
✅ Stay comfortable year-round! We’ve got heaters, fans, and a covered patio.
Whether you’re bringing a dog or just stopping by for a drink, we’ve got the perfect spot waiting for you. Come check us out!
📍 Where to find us: 8811 Old University Blvd, North Charleston
⏰ When to find us open:
Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM