From Burger King to Woof Gang: Ricardo Azevedo on Building a 300+-Unit Pet Franchise

The pet services industry continues to experience strong growth, driven by consumers who increasingly view pets as members of the family. In this episode of Franchise Today, Stan Friedman speaks with Ricardo Azevedo, CEO of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, about building a franchise brand in one of the most resilient and relationship-driven sectors in franchising.Ricardo shares how Woof Gang has evolved from a boutique pet retail concept into a national franchise platform, combining grooming services, premium pet products, and community-focused experiences. He discusses the importance of unit-level economics, franchisee support, and maintaining brand consistency across a growing network.The conversation also explores broader industry trends, including consumer spending behavior in pet care, the importance of service differentiation, and how franchise systems can create lasting customer loyalty.For franchisors, franchisees, and anyone interested in the future of pet services, this episode offers valuable insights into building a scalable and sustainable franchise brand.