Irmo, February 25, 2026
Angela and Andy Harrelson, an experienced husband-and-wife team, are bringing the Scenthound franchise to Irmo, SC. Their strategic investment not only enhances the local business landscape but also showcases the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship in the region. Scenthound focuses on providing comprehensive dog wellness services, emphasizing the health and hygiene of pets. Their first location is set to open in March 2026, reinforcing Irmo’s commitment to fostering economic vitality through innovation and local investment.
Irmo
Veteran Operators Fuel Irmo’s Economic Momentum with New Scenthound Franchise
A seasoned husband-and-wife team, bringing decades of entrepreneurial experience, is set to invigorate the Irmo business landscape and broader regional economy with the expansion of a growing dog wellness franchise. This strategic investment highlights the spirit of private enterprise and commitment to community enrichment that drives local economic health.
The arrival of new businesses, especially those backed by experienced entrepreneurs, is a testament to the enduring appeal of areas like Irmo for growth and innovation. The Town of Irmo’s Economic Development Team actively supports new business growth and retention, aiming to create an environment where companies can succeed for generations. This supportive framework, prioritizing business licenses and fees over a town millage rate, fosters an atmosphere where economic expansion directly benefits the community without imposing additional burdens on citizens. Such an approach encourages the kind of private investment and entrepreneurial spirit that can lead to robust local economies and new job opportunities.
The continuous influx of new ventures, with reports indicating three to four new businesses opening monthly in Irmo, demonstrates a vibrant economic environment where individual initiative can thrive. This steady development is crucial for enhancing the local economy, creating jobs, and offering diverse services to residents, reflecting a community eager to embrace innovation and entrepreneurial vision.
Experienced Entrepreneurs Bring Scenthound to the Midlands
Angela and Andy Harrelson, a husband-and-wife team with a distinguished 40-year career as McDonald’s franchisees, are spearheading the expansion of Scenthound into South Carolina and Georgia. Their extensive background in managing multi-unit business operations provides a strong foundation for this new venture, combining their proven business acumen with a personal commitment to pet wellness. Andy Harrelson also has a history of service, having spent six years in the National Guard. This blend of veteran experience and entrepreneurial drive exemplifies the kind of leadership that contributes significantly to Irmo economic growth and the wider regional economy.
The Harrelsons’ decision to invest in Scenthound was inspired by their firsthand experience with the brand’s positive impact on their own senior dog’s health and happiness. This personal connection underscores a belief in the value of the service they are bringing to the community. Their initial “Scenter,” a Scenthound facility, is scheduled to open in March 2026 at 7320 Broad River Road in Irmo, SC 29063, marking a significant addition to the Irmo SC business landscape.
Scenthound’s Innovative Wellness Model
Scenthound distinguishes itself as an original dog wellness franchise, offering a unique approach to pet care that prioritizes health and hygiene over traditional grooming aesthetics. The brand’s model is centered on five core areas of routine and preventive care: Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth, collectively known as S.C.E.N.T. This focus ensures that dogs receive essential maintenance to stay clean and healthy, addressing a vital, and often overlooked, aspect of pet well-being.
The Scenthound business model is membership-based, providing affordable and accessible monthly hygiene services to dog owners. This subscription structure not only simplifies pet care for families but also offers franchisees a framework for stable and predictable recurring revenue. Further enhancing its service, Scenthound integrates technology through a dedicated app that provides health insights and 24/7 virtual veterinarian access for certain membership tiers. Each visit concludes with a proprietary “Scent Check” report card, offering pet parents a detailed assessment of their dog’s external health. This comprehensive and preventative care model positions Scenthound as an innovator in the rapidly expanding U.S. pet industry, which is valued at $136 billion.
Expanding Regional Footprint and Economic Impact
The Harrelsons’ development agreement includes a total of six new Scenthound locations, with three planned for Augusta, Georgia, and three for Columbia, South Carolina. This regional expansion is poised to contribute to the economic vitality of both states, including the Richland County economy, by creating new jobs and stimulating local commerce. Scenthound, which has been franchising since 2019, has already finalized plans for over 400 franchised and corporate-owned locations across 32 states Nationwide. This rapid growth underscores the brand’s appeal and its impact on local economies through private investment and job creation.
The pet grooming industry is often considered recession-resistant, reflecting the consistent prioritization of pet well-being by owners. This resilience offers a stable platform for Irmo small business growth, supporting local employment and contributing to the overall economic robustness of the area. As of October 2025, Scenthound operates over 200 locations. The brand’s recognition by Franchise Business Review as one of the Top 50 Franchise Opportunities and its ranking by Inc 5000 as one of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies for three consecutive years further validate its strong market presence and growth potential.
Entrepreneurship and South Carolina’s Business Climate
South Carolina’s small businesses play a crucial role in the state’s economy. In the first quarter of 2025, there were 194,411 establishments in South Carolina, with a significant 69.4% employing fewer than five people. Over a ten-year period, from 2015 to 2025 (Q1), the number of businesses with fewer than five employees in South Carolina experienced substantial growth, increasing by 96.5% from 68,670 to 134,969. This trend highlights the dynamism and potential for South Carolina entrepreneurs.
Small businesses represent 99.4% of all businesses in South Carolina and account for 43.0% of the state’s employees as of 2022. While the rate of new entrepreneurs in South Carolina in 2020 was 0.26%, slightly below the Nationwide rate of 0.34%, the opportunity share of new entrepreneurs was higher in the state at 85.2% compared to the Nationwide 80.9%. Furthermore, startups in South Carolina created 5.3 jobs per 1,000 people in 2020, exceeding the Nationwide average of 5.0 jobs. This demonstrates a fertile ground for entrepreneurial endeavors, supported by communities like Irmo that prioritize a business-friendly environment. Veterans, like Andy Harrelson, contribute significantly to this landscape, owning 10.0% of businesses in South Carolina as of 2020.
Fostering Community and Economic Prosperity
The establishment of new businesses like Scenthound contributes positively to the community beyond direct services. They create employment opportunities, offer new consumer choices, and contribute to the local tax base, which in Irmo, supports town services through business licenses and fees. The Town of Irmo is dedicated to strategic growth that balances community needs with economic opportunities, emphasizing efforts to support local businesses and enhance livability.
This commitment to fostering a vibrant business climate, coupled with the resilience and innovation of entrepreneurs like the Harrelsons, plays a vital role in the sustained prosperity of Irmo and the surrounding areas. Encouraging personal initiative among entrepreneurs and facilitating private partnerships are central to these efforts, creating an environment where local businesses can not only survive but also expand and generate employment opportunities.
The expansion of Scenthound by experienced operators Angela and Andy Harrelson into Irmo and beyond signifies a positive trend for local economies. Their proven entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community align perfectly with Irmo’s vision for growth. We encourage all residents to explore and support local businesses, contributing to the continued economic vibrancy and community spirit of Irmo. Staying engaged with local economic development initiatives helps ensure a thriving future for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Scenthound?
- Scenthound is an original dog wellness franchise that focuses on five core areas of routine and preventive care for dogs: Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth (S.C.E.N.T.).
- Who are the new Scenthound franchisees expanding into South Carolina and Georgia?
- Angela and Andy Harrelson, a husband-and-wife team with 40 years of experience as former McDonald’s franchisees, are expanding Scenthound into South Carolina and Georgia.
- Where will the first Scenthound location open in Irmo, SC?
- The first Scenthound location in Irmo, SC, is slated to open in March 2026 at 7320 Broad River Rd, Irmo, SC 29063.
- How many Scenthound locations are planned for South Carolina and Georgia?
- There will be six new Scenthound locations in total, with three planned for Augusta, Georgia, and three for Columbia, South Carolina.
- What is the rate of new entrepreneurs in South Carolina?
- In 2020, the rate of new entrepreneurs in South Carolina was 0.26%.
- What percentage of businesses in South Carolina are small businesses?
- Small businesses account for 99.4% of South Carolina businesses as of 2022.
- How many jobs are created by startups in South Carolina?
- In 2020, 5.3 jobs were created by startups per 1,000 people in South Carolina.
Key Features of Scenthound Expansion
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| New Operators | Angela and Andy Harrelson | State-level (SC & GA focus) |
| Operators’ Prior Experience | 40 years as McDonald’s franchisees; Andy Harrelson served 6 years in National Guard | Nationwide (experience); State-level (service) |
| Franchise Brand | Scenthound (Original dog wellness concept) | Nationwide |
| Expansion States | South Carolina and Georgia | State-level |
| Number of New Locations | 6 (3 in Augusta, GA; 3 in Columbia, SC) | State-level |
| First Irmo Location Opening | March 2026 at 7320 Broad River Rd, Irmo, SC 29063 | Local |
| Scenthound Business Model | Membership-based, wellness-focused (S.C.E.N.T. Check®), technology-integrated pet care | Nationwide |
| Current Scenthound Locations | Over 200 (as of October 2025) | Nationwide |
| Total Scenthound Plans | Over 400 franchised and corporate-owned locations across 32 states | Nationwide |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Entrepreneurs Fuel Irmo’s Economic Spark with Pet Care Innovation
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
