ALLEGAN, MI — Less than a year after selling its first bag of all-natural dog treats, Beyond Bones will open its own retail store in downtown Allegan.

Located at 219 Hubbard St., Suite A, the store will open this June next door to The Arc of Allegan County — the nonprofit that launched the product. An official opening date will be announced as renovations progress, a news release from The Arc states.

Since its founding in 1956, The Arc of Allegan County has advocated for the inclusion and dignity of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. In response to limited employment opportunities and skill development programs for the individuals it serves, The Arc created Beyond Bones in 2021.

The pet-focused business currently employs 20 bakers, the release states. Treats are made and packaged four times a week using kitchen space at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Allegan and Path of Grace in Wayland.

The downtown Allegan retail space will sell Beyond Bones’ handmade dog treats, which are available in regular and mini sizes, as well as other pet-focused products. Four to six additional positions for individuals with disabilities will be created within the store.

“The creation of Beyond Bones has been a labor of love for The Arc, its board of directors and our dedicated volunteers,” said Stacy Engelsman, executive director of The Arc. “Seeing the sense of accomplishment and pride on our employees’ faces is as rewarding as knowing they are earning fair pay while engaging meaningfully in the community.”

Funding for the business, which has a tagline of “treats with a bigger purpose,” has been a community effort, Engelsman said.

The Mignon Sherwood DeLano Foundation has provided funds to renovate the retail space and support for start-up costs was provided by The Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation.

“We can’t thank our generous supporters, donors and customers enough for making this business and retail store possible and helping us to provide much-needed job opportunities for the individuals we support,” said Keith Hayward, president of The Arc board of directors.

Since last summer, Beyond Bones treats have been sold at vendor fairs, farmers’ markets, online and in The Arc office. Fourteen retail partners located in and around Allegan County also sell Beyond Bones treats and will continue to do so once the store opens, the release states.

For more information about Beyond Bones or The Arc of Allegan County or to purchase treats, please visit https://www.arcallegan.org/beyondbones.

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