Bark Social, a well-known dog park, bar, and social club in Maryland, is set to reopen its Columbia location on November 20 after an extended closure of nearly a year due to bankruptcy issues. The park had to shut down all its locations, including Columbia, back in November 2024.
Following a successful reopening of Bark Social’s Baltimore site in August 2025, the Columbia venue is now gearing up to welcome back its community. With new leadership at the helm, including CEO and owner Bradley Notaro, the team at Bark Social is eager to embark on this new chapter.
“Bark Social is truly a company created by dog lovers. We value the insights of both our staff and our members,” Notaro expressed in an October Instagram Reel. “We hope to extend our reach to areas that currently lack venues like ours in the future.”
The Columbia site will also see the return of General Manager Jess Mendez, who was previously the assistant general manager before the closure.
“Columbia is a close-knit community rich in diversity, and we are thrilled to reconnect with everyone through our shared passion for dogs,” Mendez stated.
With the new ownership, Mendez emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of dogs and their owners alike.
“Our mission is to create an inclusive and secure environment for all. Building community is at the heart of what we do,” Mendez declared. “Both the dogs and their owners will forge friendships here, which truly captures the essence of Bark Social.”
Excitement is palpable among previous patrons looking forward to the grand reopening.
“I’m thrilled Columbia is reopening! We jumped at the chance to get our membership when it first opened, and I can’t wait to return!” said Instagram user Alyssa Vitry Gasapos (@alyssa_bronco410).
“We’re so excited! @dulles_the_doodle and I have missed @bark_social_columbiamd so much!” shared Janna Hindman (@jzucke1006).
Even those without dogs are welcoming the news with joy.
“So excited to see this! I don’t have a dog, but I’m happy to see this nonetheless!” commented user @trinirokcstarr.
Bark Social is kicking things off with an exclusive VIP launch party for members on November 18 and 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. This event will provide an early opportunity for members and their dogs to experience the revamped space.
The official grand opening celebration will take place from November 20 to 23, operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and will include special activities, giveaways, and surprises. The bar and café will also be open daily.
Before attending the launch party or the grand opening, Bark Social requests that all dogs have either an annual or a monthly/daily membership pass. Additionally, all dogs must be registered and possess updated distemper and bordetella vaccinations.
For more details, please visit barksocial.com.
