Basalt dog deli expands food offerings to Aspen and beyond

Bon, or should we say bone, apétit!

The Roaring Fork Valley’s first dog deli, Barks Gourmet Dog Deli, opened this summer, and has just expanded its fresh food offerings to include treats and cakes.

“​​It’s been so much fun,” Lisa Angelo, owner of Barks, said of expanding her offerings.

Angelo opened the dog deli in June of this year, offering human-grade food by the pound to the valley’s canine residents. Barks sources the meat from local ranchers — Potter Farms and 7X Ranch — and provides homemade bone broth made on site.

Angelo, a certified canine and feline nutritionist and certified dog trainer, had a dog treat company for over a decade. 

“I thought having something local where you could pick up fresh food would be an even cooler idea,” Angelo said. 

With a summer of steady business behind her, Angelo is now partnering with White Elephant Aspen to bring those treats up-valley, offering Barks Gourmet Dog Deli biscuits to canine guests as part of Doggy Turn-Down Service. Each evening, pups will be treated to their own special amenity, including a branded White Elephant Aspen water bowl, a plush dog bed, and Barks Gourmet Dog Deli biscuits.

“We want every guest to feel immersed in Aspen during their stay, and that includes their four-legged family members,” said Justin Todd, managing director at White Elephant Aspen. “By partnering with local businesses, we’re able to add thoughtful touches that reflect both the spirit of the destination and the ethos of White Elephant. It’s our way of ensuring furry family members feel just as welcome, while connecting them (and their humans) to the local community.”

Angelo also noted dog-friendly birthday cakes will be offered to pups celebrating a special day.

While Angelo has been operating out of a brick-and-mortar store in Basalt, located at 10 Park Ave. Unit 300, and at the local Basalt Sunday Market, she is also planning to expand services by offering delivery throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. 

According to Angelo’s plans, those within a 10-mile radius will receive free delivery, and spending over a certain amount on products could warrant free delivery to the rest of the valley. Angelo is aiming to have the delivery option available by the holidays, if not sooner.

“I’m very excited,” Angelo said.

Barks is currently open from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, although these hours are likely to shift around the end of September. More information can be found at https://thebarksbros.com/.