Biscuits a boom to dog owners

SAN JOSE — Jennifer Pan decided to open her whimsical dog boutique Biscuits in San Jose’s Japantown after experiencing difficulty in finding healthy treats for her Jack Russell Terrier, who had allergies.

“I was looking for supplements and natural treats,” said Pan, who opened the store in July with her partner Steve Kim.

Named after the pair’s Jack Russell Terrier, Biscuit, the boutique sells natural and organic treats for dogs. The store also sells a variety of colorful chew toys, bowls and clothing for canines. Biscuit can be found at the shop on the weekends, along with the couple’s Puggle (Pug and Beagle mix), Bowser.

“Biscuit was the reason why we got into the business,” Pan said, adding that the store carries merchandise for all breeds.

Kathy Sakamoto, executive director of the Japantown Business Association, said, “Jennifer’s level of expertise is experiential and she loves what she’s doing.”

Kim said that the pair’s vision is to offer dog owners in the neighborhood a healthy alternative to the chain stores.

“Our vision is to offer what the big-box stores don’t in terms of food and treats,” he said.

DOGGIE TREATS — Cupcakes for dogs and other treats — edible or not — line the shelves of Biscuits. photo by Erin Yasuda Soto/Nichi Bei Weekly

Among the highlights of the store is its baked goods area, which contains a beautiful display of organic and natural cookies and cupcakes for dogs. The store currently works closely with a Morgan Hill, Calif.-based baker, who operates the Bark n’ Belly Bakery.

Pan said that one of the store’s best-sellers is the hibiscus flower cookies. The healthy treat contains organic brown rice flour, unbleached flour and peanut butter.

The store also sells an array of other delicious concoctions such as organic cupcakes, banana biscotti, snickerdoodles and blueberry cupcakes.

The store constantly rotates its merchandise and will soon offer kimonos and judo costumes for dogs.

“We are always bringing in new stuff and offering new brands. We want to keep it fresh,” Kim said, adding that they hope to eventually offer dog photo days.

Pan said that one of the most rewarding parts of her job is interacting with the community.

“The community is really supportive and amazing to work with,” Pan said.

Biscuits is located at 223 Jackson St .in San Jose’s Japantown. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call (408) 564-6537, e-mail shopbiscuits@gmail.com, or visit www.shopbiscuits.com.