Written by Taylor VanOtterloo
The Bark House is an entrepreneurial opportunity AHS students get to experience through the class Bulldog Bites, with Mrs. Louwagie. The class is made up of 12 students, mainly juniors and seniors, with a few sophomores sprinkled in as well. Throughout the one term class, students learn how to market, manage, and produce goods sold to students and staff at Algona High School.
This past week was opening week for the Bark House. In order to get the menu decided and published, it took trial and error. Picking flavors that customers would enjoy was an aspect of successful selling. Another aspect was pricing the products, finding a reasonable price was important. Currently, the Bark House sells protein shakes and loaded teas. The protein shake flavors are strawberry cheesecake and peanut butter banana; they cost six dollars. Costing five dollars, the loaded teas are available in flavors very berry, sweet tart, tropical wave, and strawberry dreams. In the future, the Bark House is hoping to offer snacks as well, so be prepared for an updated menu soon!
Not only do the students get to have fun making drinks for others to enjoy, they also get to learn many skills that may help in their future work life. When asked why someone should join the class, Summer Thompson, a student involved with the Bark House, responded, “You learn entrepreneurial skills and are forced to work and get along with people you may not be as comfortable with. It really pushes you outside of your comfort zone, it feels like you are working an actual job.”
Day to day activities in the class mainly consist of the following: first, the students work together to come up with drink ideas that customers will enjoy most. After, they order the products needed and then pre measure, so when the day comes to make the drinks it is an easier process. During TAS on Thursdays, students label and serve drinks to those who ordered. Purchasing from the Bark House would be a great way to support the school. To take advantage and get a delicious drink through their QR ordering code found around the school!