South Philadelphia: Amelie’s Bark Shop, A Bakery That Went To The Dogs

JACKIE STARKER and Amelie, eyeing a cannoli. Photo by Maria Merlino

by Maria Merlino

With names like Peanut Butter Cannoli, Pumpkin Spice Cupcake, Black and White Cookie and Sweet Potato and Flax Donut, one would think the goods served up in the Amelie’s Bark Shop would be great for your dessert.
But wait! These treats are for your tail-wagging companions, not for you to eat. Jackie Starker, 26, who just opened a brick-and-mortar store after achieving online success with her home-baked dog treats, is the newest East Passyunk Avenue business to open its doors.

“The treats are made with all natural, no GMO ingredients. They’re not sweetened with sugar,” she explains. “Even though I bake with human-grade food, the license I have is for animal consumption. However, if you do eat one, you won’t get sick. They’re very fresh. Some need to be refrigerated, like the cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting, but the hard biscuits can be kept up to three weeks.”

There was a steady stream of owners and the pets the day I was there. Starker is very friendly and her clients are glad she finally settled down in South Philly, because she caters to pet owners who want healthy treats like cbd for dogs.
Her mother, Marta Starker, an RN who got injured on the job, crochets the cat toys and pet sweaters. She also sews cute bandanas. And just as Starker told me that her mom will custom-make clothing for your dog, a 130-lb. boxer came in wearing one of her sweaters.

BEAUTIFULLY handmade peanut-butter squirrels, snowflake cookies, birthday cakes and donuts going to the dogs? Photo by Maria Merlino

“She took all the measurements and used the Eagles colors,” said Starker.
Her aunt does the stained glass pieces.

“The bond between a person and their fur baby is very strong,” she said. Her own fur baby, the eponymous Amelie, a seven-year-old Shih-Tzu mix, is also the mascot and logo of her brand. Originally from Long Island, N.Y., Starker graduated from the University of the Arts and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial design, which includes product design and graphics. She and her boyfriend remodeled the interior of the store with hand-made shelving using re-claimed wood.
One of her mission statements is to support local businesses. “We have many antique prints, postcards and figurines from Hoof & Antler, a local market. Also we carry goods by local artists, Alyse Shulte, Random Lake, Oliver Candles, which make sprays for dogs with anxiety. Our brand is exclusive with Bone Jour in Olde City and also Companion Pet Hospital at 5th & Cross streets.”

MELISSA PELHAM with her dog, Blue, who is jumping for joy at one of Jackie Starker’s treats. Photo by Maria Merlino

Starker is also benevolent.

“Right now we’re selling PAWS calendars in the shop. 100% of the proceeds go directly to PAWS, the largest no-kill shelter in the city. I also donate gift baskets to local charities, auctions, and adoption events. Putting in the time and goods to help homeless animals is so important. I can never lose sight on that,” she said.
She is also collaborating with Fabric Horse to make custom dog carriers with recycled materials, such as yoga mats. They will have a leash attachment point and a hole for the dog’s head to poke through.

Amelie’s Bark Shop
1544 E. Passyunk Avenue (across from the fountain)
woof@barkshopbakery.com

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