Skiptown Strengthens Presence in Charlotte with First Franchise Location

Skiptown Expands Its Reach with First Franchise in Pineville, North Carolina

Skiptown, a modern dog care franchise leveraging technology to enhance pet care experiences, has achieved a significant milestone by signing a lease for its first franchise location in Pineville, North Carolina. This exciting development follows the brand's remarkable growth, reporting a 23% revenue increase in the second quarter of 2026. The new facility will be located at 10301 Feldfarm Lane, Charlotte, NC, and is set to open its doors in early 2027.

The franchise will be owned and operated by the dynamic duo of Chris Tkatch and Bo Fender, both seasoned professionals from the Charlotte area. Their journey with Skiptown began as members, and through their shared love for dogs, they transitioned into franchise ownership. Chris, who started his first business at just twelve, holds dual degrees in Welding Engineering and Finance, while Bo brings over a decade of expertise in civil engineering and steel construction to the table. The partnership was born from both their professional journeys and personal passion for canine care.

According to Tkatch, "Dogs are such an essential part of our families, and we want every person who trusts us with their pup to feel confident they're in good hands." This ethos underpins their mission as they prepare to launch their franchise, ensuring not only quality pet care but also a welcoming environment for dog owners.

Both Tkatch and Fender's paths to franchise ownership have deeply personal roots. Fender has been a Skiptown member since 2020, and Tkatch’s venture into franchising was sparked after adopting his dog, Jett. They believe that what sets Skiptown apart is its unique model that integrates multiple pet care services—daycare, boarding, grooming, and more—all under one roof, generating a comprehensive lifestyle destination for dogs and their owners.

In addition to their shared mission, Tkatch benefitted from a 50% discount on his franchise fee, part of Skiptown's initiative to support first responders and veterans, reflecting the brand’s commitment to community service. His wife serves as a first responder in local healthcare, highlighting their dedication to giving back to those who serve the community.

Fender expresses how meaningful it is to transition from a customer to a franchise owner, stating, "Going from a longtime customer to helping grow Skiptown in the city where it all started is incredibly meaningful. We believed in what the brand was building long before we ever considered becoming franchisees, and now we have the opportunity to be part of its next chapter in Charlotte."

This franchise agreement signifies a broader strategy for Skiptown. The company has ambitious plans for future expansions in the region, with Tkatch and Fender at the forefront of this growth. Central to their vision is Skiptown's model, which emphasizes a tech-enabled approach that simplifies booking, check-in, and communication for pet parents, setting Skiptown apart from conventional dog daycare facilities.

As Mike Rotondo, CEO of Skiptown, states, "It's exciting to see our first franchise owners sign their first lease and take this next step toward their opening. It's been a strong year for our brand, and we're looking forward to keeping that momentum going as Chris and Bo bring Skiptown to Pineville."

Skiptown offers not just dog care, but also a platform for franchisees to tap into the rapidly growing pet care market. With locations in Charlotte, NC, Denver, CO, and Atlanta, GA, the brand is poised for continued expansion nationwide. Owned and operated by a dedicated team, Skiptown aims to provide a safe and engaging environment for dogs, ultimately enriching the pet ownership experience through innovative services and exceptional care.

To explore franchise opportunities or learn more about Skiptown's offerings, visit skiptown.io/franchising.