When Adam Burr-Mecum was 17, like any normal teenager, he got a part-time job.
The then-high school version of Burr-Mecum had the illustrious duties of unloading deliveries and stocking shelves at Sandy’s Nutrition Center. Over the next 10 years, he learned more about the business from Sandy Sanel – the original owner.
Then about seven-and-a-half years ago, when Sanel unexpectedly passed away, Burr-Mecum had a decision to make – get a new job or buy the business. Well, since you’re reading this story, it probably won’t come as too much of a surprise that Burr-Mecum chose the latter.
“I knew the business well enough to stick with it,” said Burr-Mecum.
Since taking over, he changed the name to Sandy’s Pet Food Center, increased business just about every year and to the tune of 15 percent in 2013, and is now moving to a brand-new location at 141 Old Turnpike Road. The facility is bigger, shinier and just down the street from the current and soon-to-be old location on Airport Road, so it won’t be hard for customers to find it.
“This is perfect, because what I want is easy to get to for people in Concord, but also conveniently located off the highway,” said Burr-Mecum.
With the expanded space, Sandy’s will also be home to a self-serve dog washing station. And did we mention that much of the first floor is the new home of No Monkey Business Dog Training, owned by Helen Nicholls?
“I figured I should add something with the extra space,” said Burr-Mecum.
As of last week, the plan was to have the new store up and running March 24 and only close down operations for one day. The plan includes little sleep and work weeks of up to 100 hours.
But when it’s done, all the work will be worth it. The new building can now adequately house the amount of product necessary to meet customer demands. Believe us, you don’t want people unable to find their pup’s favorite food. Fluffy wouldn’t be the least bit happy.
“I have no idea what I’m going to do when it’s all done,” said Burr-Mecum.
Sandy’s spent the first year on Loudon Road and then the next 27 at the Airport Road spot. But about two years ago, Burr-Mecum realized he needed more space. That won’t be a problem anymore, with about 2,900-square feet of retail space upstairs and a large chunk for storage on the first floor. Burr-Mecum estimates he can hold up to 60,000 pounds total. Now that’s music to a hungry dogs ears.
“We were just overflowing,” said Burr-Mecum. “It was a matter that we just couldn’t supply everybody. We had to do something.”
The new black shelves are filled with bags of dog food, cat food cans and plenty of toys and treats. The product standards will remain the same – no by-products or preservatives. The goal is to increase the variety and continue to consult with customers to find the best fit for their pet.
“There’s a lot more options than there used to be,” said Burr-Mecum. “But if it doesn’t fit into our quality, we won’t carry it.”
An indoor bird and small animals supply section has been added, but overall it’s still a work in progress. It’s been four weeks since deliveries switched over to the Old Turnpike Road building. So if things go according to Burr-Mecum’s plan, there won’t be much to move when the final switch is made.
“We’re just keeping enough to get us through,” said Burr-Mecum.
The new location will hold close to two months worth of inventory – that’s about a six-week increase. Now you see why Burr-Mecum decided to move. He closed on the property last July and broke ground the following month. It just makes sense to own the building where his business resides. And he got to design things the way he wanted it. But to our surprise, he didn’t ask for an Insider opinion.
The addition of the two tub self-serve dog washing station gives dog owners a place to bring their four-legged friend without the hassle and mess of doing it at home.
“It seemed to have the most demand and the best fit,” said Burr-Mecum.
It’s also why he decided to partner with Nicholls. The two have known each other for years, and with Burr-Mecum looking to expand and add a related business to the property, it just made sense.
“I absolutely love her training methods,” said Burr-Mecum. “She was the first person I went to.”
Nicholls has been training in the area for five years, with the last three at a facility in Bow. It was a good spot, but the Sandy’s building is more centrally located. Nicholls also had free rein of the design and again didn’t ask what we thought.
“Adam made it kind of difficult to say no,” said Nicholls. “I got to build my own space. It was really too good to pass up.”
The space, which is essentially a large open room, is 500-square feet bigger than her current location, and everything Nicholls could want. She has more than enough space for her puppy, behavior modification and agility classes.
The rubber floors are easy to disinfect when a puppy has an accident and also ideal for comfort. There are toys, including doggy skateboards, treats and a limited edition dog paper towel dispenser.
The colors, yellow and black, are Nicholls’s favorite, and there are even yellow paw prints in the front windows. The name of the business came from a saying her grandfather used back in her native England.
“My grandfather would always say ‘cut out that monkey business,’ ” said Nicholls.
Although it has created some confusion from time to time.
“I’ve had people call and ask if I train monkeys,” said Nicholls.
While Sandy’s is still a short time away from opening, Nicholls began teaching classes on March 1. It was probably a lot easier to move without thousands of pounds of food, treats and toys to worry about.
Even though the new space is bigger and there’s more of a variety, Burr-Mecum wants it to feel just like the other store – with the same personal service.
While the plan is to move in the coming week, we all know how things can change. Check Sandy’s facebook page, facebook.com/sandyspetfoodcenter, for updates. Or just keep driving by the new location looking for an open sign.
