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Muttropolitan in Little Tokyo Quietly Opens

By Ed Fuentes
Published: Monday, January 14, 2008, at 10:29AM

Ed Fuentes

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Under the radar of many in the K9-Service-Watch is the full service pet grooming at Muttropolitan, who opened in Little Tokyo with no fan fare. Offerings range from full with several grooming packages, to do-it-yourself with a self-pet wash.

With a location designed to serve the east side of Downtown, Muttropolitan has quickly established a client base from the Arts District locals, Civic Center workers, and Little Tokyo dog lovers from both older and newer residences. Most pet owners prefer to drop off their dogs and pups to be coiffed, brushed, bathed, and have nails clipped, coming back to pick them up after work like caring parents.

“It’s like working with the PTA,” says Grace Shim with a smile. Shim is also an educator and was teaching elementary school when she came up with the idea with brother David Kwon and sister Sue Kwon. While in Little Tokyo for dinner one night they saw the number of dogs being walked and decided that there must be a market.

Shim says many customers first notice the Muttropolitan storefront while out walking their dogs. The simple exterior fits with the neighborhood, and the “holistic viewpoint to grooming in a tranquil environment” gives off an Arts District vibe.

If you want to see the results, just look on the wall. Shim has started taking photographs of the Muttropolitan client base and displays them in the shop. Like a bow on a shitsu, it's a nice detail.

Muttropolitan
408 E. 2nd St
L.A. CA 90012
(Honda Plaza in Little Tokyo)

Tues - Saturday (8am-6pm)

213-62-MUTTS  (213-626-8887)

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Conversation

Guest 1

sara on January 14, 2008, at 02:43PM – #1

the photos of the groomed dogs on their website are ADORABLE.

Guest 1

Rich Alossi on January 14, 2008, at 06:55PM – #2

Nice place to have in Little Tokyo! How long have they been open? Great find.

Guest 1

John Swartz on January 15, 2008, at 09:10AM – #3

Cool. This opened just in time to make competition with the newly opened "Pussy Pooch" Dog Grooming place at 6th & Main. I think that the Muttropolitan has picked a good location.

However, the Pussy Pooch @ 6th & Main should be removed and a bar or restaurant should be put in its place. The leasor couldn't have picked a worse fit for a corner that has the potential to be the next 4th & Main. Can someone do something about this??

-J

Guest 1

meekorouse on January 15, 2008, at 09:16AM – #4

smile being a cat person I don't have much of an opinion about a place that has a name like that, yet doesn't really sell much in the way of cat food for the cat owners here. They are indeed in a good location, however.

Regarding the dogs though, I think depending on what the hours are going to be during art walk, could do avery well. The downtowner folks that frequent Gallery Row and its wonderful coffee shops, etc have a prime location to escort their canine(s) down the street for some pampering.

Guest 1

meekorouse on January 15, 2008, at 09:20AM – #5

Getting back on topic though, I think Grace's Muttropolitan is cool. She has a fantastic location in her own right and the photos of her furry clients are amazing. People who love their animals so much they become furkids would do right by going to Grace's place. (cat owners: Grace does nail trimming!)

Guest 1

Janene on January 16, 2008, at 12:41AM – #6

Congrats to new fellow petrepreneurs at Muttropolitan!

meekorouse - Pussy & Pooch actually carries eight different brands of premium and organic cat food and we have lots of free samples. Our Tiki cat tuna varieties have been hugely popular. Thanks for your support~

Guest 2