Petsway rebrands under franchise agreement

Karl Keller II: Franchise move came out of bankruptcy proceedings.

Springfield-based Petsway Inc. has rebranded under a franchise agreement after exiting bankruptcy proceedings late last year.

Co-owner Karl Keller II said the company's Chapter 11 reorganization plan included converting Petsway stores to Pet Supplies Plus franchise locations. He said bankruptcy proceedings closed in December after the court approved the plan in October.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity to introduce Pet Supplies Plus to the local community," Keller said in a news release. “Ultimately, we want to provide our neighbors and their pets with the best shopping experience possible.”

Keller declined to disclose franchise costs with Livonia, Michigan-based Pet Supplies Plus. The company's website lists an initial franchisee fee of $49,900 for a single unit, along with a 2% royalty on monthly sales for the first 12 months and 3% after that. The company has more than 460 stores.

Keller said in addition to the franchise deal, longtime Petsway employees Bill and Marisa Wake earlier this year became co-owners in the business.

Keller and the Wakes tomorrow are scheduled to debut their first Pet Supplies Plus location at 1717 W. Kearney St. Other Pet Supplies Plus franchise store rebrands are in the works at 1517 E. Battlefield Road, 2920 E. Sunshine St., 2833 S. Glenstone Ave. and in Nixa at 469 Aldersgate Drive, according to the release.

Keller said the business partners' franchise territory covers Springfield and Nixa. He said the goal is to expand the franchise territory after converting all of the stores to the Pet Supplies Plus brand.

Petsway filed for bankruptcy in December 2019. Keller said at the time that the bankruptcy proceedings for the 65-year-old family business were triggered by unprofitable stores in Poplar Bluff and St. Peters, which are now closed.