With a celebrity dog and a love for animals, Kristina Robertson brings her wonderful and unique personality to Alexandria and Del Ray!
Alexandria Originals
Name: Kristina Robertson
Business Name: Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique
Address: 2006 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria 22301
Phone: (703) 548-DOGG
Website: www.barkleysquarebakery.com
What is your claim to fame?
That I have a Chihuahua that owns a barkery and offers
Paws-Up when I bake new treats for the local and visiting doggies. Cocoa, my Chihuahua, allows me to join him in photo shoots. He is known by the locals of Alexandria and abroad. He has a fan in California that he calls his pen-paw.
What makes you original and unique?
The love and respect I have for animals would make me unique in my own way. I chose to bring my love and passion to the dog world by spoiling them and giving their humans an excuse to have fun and laugh. I created an experience within my store. I also added a professional pet care company (Karing by Kristina) to the barkery so that when a guest comes in they have the one stop shop experience for their pets.
Who or what inspired you to come to Alexandria?
I lived in Temple Hills, Maryland most of my life. As a teenager learning to drive, Alexandria, Va. was the first "state" I drove to. I grew up doing everything in Alexandria. I attended a church in Alexandria where I met my husband who lived in Old Town.
What is your secret to success?
It is no secret, I just try to enjoy every guest that comes into the store, I give 100% to my guests and my clients. I respect my employees and realize that without them I would not have my companies. I listen to what my guests and clients want and I try my best to accommodate their needs. Respect would have to be "my secret."
What is your proudest achievement?
I must say opening a retail store with no experience in retail. Following my heart that said, "Kristina, this is the right opportunity for you." And just doing it. Surviving the flooding in Old Town and keeping my head up while getting a rent increase, moving the boutique, and not quitting.
Your Alexandria Favorites
Do you have a favorite Alexandria travel tip and or a favorite recipe you are willing to share?
My travel tip would be call ahead and find the right hotel for you and your pets needs. Find out if they have dog walking service and can accommodate your doggies dietary needs.
I have a recipe for a Pea-Mutt Butter Bone your four-legged friends will love!
Best date idea in Alexandria?
Wow, with such a plethora of restaurants, art galleries, parks, Potomac River activities, I couldn't just pick one. Just take your dog whatever you choose to do.
Favorite places to go for brunch, happy hour, dinner under the stars, lunch deals, and places to take your dog?
Doggy Yappy hour at Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Bakery and Boutique patio. Joined by Del Rays best wine shop, Planet Wine, we turn the patio into a Cantina for humans and their dogs. It is Thursdays from April to October, Not to pass up.
If you had friends visiting Alexandria what would you tell them to do and see during their visit?
I would make sure they didn't miss the experience of the Torpedo Factory, the Ride of the Trolley all the way and back on King Street, stop in a restaurant or two, and then go to Del Ray have some chocolate at the ACKC Cocoa bar and finish up at Barkley Square to take a homemade fresh and all natural doggie treat home to their favorite canine.
