Austin-based pet supply store, Tomlinson’s Feed opened its 15th Central Texas store June 25 in Northwest Austin.

The store is located at 4815 W. Braker Lane and hosts a grand opening party July 14. The family-owned business began in 1946 as a chick hatchery and feed store at its original location on Airport Boulevard.

Kate Knecht, brand manager at Tomlinson’s Feed, grew up working in the stores during summer breaks. She said she and her brother were motivated to return to their family’s business after college in hopes of helping it grow throughout the Austin area.

“My brother and I are fourth generation [in the family] and we came back in 2012 and have been involved in the business ever since," Knect said. “We continue to put in stores where we see good neighborhoods where we feel like we can make an impact.”

Knecht said Tomlinson’s seeks to appeal to health-conscious pet owners.

“We carry a lot of natural, holistic and, in some cases, organic food that you're not going to find elsewhere,” Knecht said. “Just like a Whole Foods shopper is looking for that next level of nutrition, so is a Tomlinson's shopper looking for those same types of things for their pets.”

As a small-format store, Knecht said the company focuses on creating a welcoming environment for shoppers to feel comfortable asking the staff for pet care advice.

“Customers come to us when they have some type of problem,” she said. “If their dog has been itchy or seems to have allergies, our staff is very well trained to field those types of questions.”

With the Braker Lane location marking Tomlinson’s 15th Central Texas store, Knecht said she still sees room for growth within the Austin area.

“As Austin and Central Texas continues to grow, we'd like to keep it home-based and continue to serve the community that we've grown up in and that has served us for so many years,” Knecht said.

512-531-9220. www.tomlinsons.com