Over the past few years, people have become much more conscious of what they’re putting in their bodies. Some want to remove processed foods from their diets, while others may be searching to live a gluten-free lifestyle or avoiding genetically modified ingredients.
Basil & Rex thinks that’s how pet owners should think about their dogs, too.
The locally owned store by Randi Gilmore and Carl DeScott features gourmet dog food, treats, shampoos and other products.
Originally, the business partners aimed to open a store specializing in spices, but then shifted their plans after DeScott, who also works as a chef in the healthcare industry, caught a strand of the COVID-19 virus that partially took away his sense of taste and smell. Opening a store that would specialize in spices became too tall of a task.
Then, the idea came to Gilmore and DeScott after they adopted a dog, Ollie, from Gilmore’s sister.
“At the same time, I'm looking up, like, the same thing as when you have a new kid,” Gilmore says. “What's the best food? What's the best treats? What's the best everything? Because you don't want them to get sick.”
That research led to Basil & Rex.
RELATED: Cleveland's West Side Market Receives $28M Investment for Major Renovations
The shop features items that are safe for dogs and include carefully selected ingredients. There are no fillers or substitutes in the food or treats that are offered. Many items emphasize smells, due to the fact that canines’ sense of smell is exponentially higher than that of humans.
“We infuse the flavors and the herbs that add to the health benefits without putting them in,” Gilmore says. “This is venison, and this is bison. Right? It's 100% venison and bison. There's no fillers. There's nothing else in it. We infuse the smells and the aromas.”
While some flavors and scents rotate, Basil & Rex has single-ingredient dog products made with venison and bison, as well as biscuits in flavors like peanut butter and jelly, and sweet potato pie, which use just three ingredients. The shop also carries lavender shampoo that doesn’t use any oils that you might find in traditional grooming products.
“We don't use any of the oils just because some dogs have reactions to the lavender oil,” Gilmore says. “We use actual lavender and seep it in it. And then all of our ingredients in the shampoo are purposeful and readable.”
Basil & Rex also has a rope toy that is 100% cotton and safe for dogs. More products, such as dog beds, are in the plans for the store.
The store has other programming plans, too, with a regular puppy adoption event by Geauga Mama Dogs and Pups beginning in May.
The store is now located inside the City Goods hangar, now a part of Ohio City’s Creative Hangars. Recently, the set of structures at 2808 Church Ave. have been restructured, and Basil & Rex joins 14 other brands for a variety of shopping opportunities within one hangar.
Find more details about Basil & Rex at its website, basilandrex.com.
For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.
Cleveland Magazine is also available in print, publishing 12 times a year with immersive features, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.
