Puptables
When Ashley Hutson’s family realized that they’d be forced to permanently close the doors of their restaurant, they were faced with some big decisions. After running the famed Ortanique on the Mile in Coral Gables for more than twenty years, the pandemic took the ultimate toll on the beloved business.
As many have been forced to do these past six months, Ashley had to re-evaluate her life – and livelihood - and figure out her next chapter.
As the former General Manager and Chef, she did some soul searching and ultimately decided to make an official business out of what had been a long-time hobby - making home cooked meals for dogs.
“As much as I love being a chef, the hours were really starting to get to me. I felt like I didn’t have a life at all. This (Corona-induced) closure gave me the avenue to find something that I really love.”
- Ashley Hutson (Photo by Carly Terenzio)
And so, Puptables was born. Using her well-honed culinary skills, she began making healthy, balanced meals for dogs from the same high-quality ingredients she used to source for the restaurant. “These are the exact same purveyors and products used at Ortanique.”
Offering three different blends to satisfy all taste buds and health needs - multi-vitamin, weight management and skin & coat - Puptables is a supplemental food to mix in to your favorite kibble or other dog food. If you would like to transition your dog off kibble entirely, they also offer complete meals with either a chicken, pork or beef base.
Ashley’s boyfriend, Dennis, a professional baker, is also now adding dog treats and specialty cakes to their menu. A turmeric paste is in the works next.
Need a cake for your pup? You can now order cakes and desserts like this to celebrate a birthday, adoption, or any other milestone.
As with many passion pivots, there was a personal angle. “I’m really passionate about changing the views on bully breeds. I have three pit bulls.”
Bullet, who is now the face of the brand (and pictured above) was headed to a kill shelter when Ashley intervened. “My cousin called me and asked me to help with this dog. I was not ready. But, once I saw those eyes, I was done.” Now, Bullet has a sister Freya and the latest addition to the household, a new puppy named Floki. (Freya is from Paw Patrol Animal Rescue and Floki is from Bullies-N- Beyond, both South Florida-based rescues).
“I don’t see myself going back to cooking for people in a human kitchen. I’m a dog chef now.”
Photo by Carly Terenzio
“Opening a business and starting something from scratch is terrifying. It’s even more terrifying with all that‘s going on – not only in our state, but our country and the world.
(But), At the the end of the day…. any part I can have to make animals healthier is a passion project for me.”
Puptables is based in Miami, FL and they offer delivery options to the surrounding area. Learn more about their meal plans and place your orders here.
Bonus tip! When you subscribe to our newsletter, you’ll receive a Puptables discount code!
