15-year milestone introduces fully aligned partnership structure with equity, influence and shared governance
Pasadena, CA (Restaurant News Release) Marking its 15-year milestone with a bold step forward, Dog Haus today unveiled a ground-breaking new franchise model designed to reshape the future of franchising by putting operators at the center of ownership, leadership and decision-making.
At a time when the industry faces growing scrutiny around operator control and alignment, Dog Haus is moving decisively to lead a new era – one where the people running restaurants have a direct stake in the brand’s success and a meaningful voice in its direction.
The craft-casual concept’s newly introduced structure addresses one of franchising’s most persistent challenges: the disconnect between franchisors and the operators on the front lines. Instead of reinforcing that divide, Dog Haus is rebuilding the model from the inside out – anchored in shared leadership, equity participation and true partnership.
This first-of-its-kind approach gives top operators unprecedented access and influence, including opportunities for equity ownership, senior corporate leadership roles and representation at the Board level.
“Franchising has operated with a built-in disconnect for decades,” said Michael Montagano, CEO of Dog Haus. “We’re not just evolving the model – we’re rewriting it. This is about real ownership, real influence and real upside for the operators who drive our business every day.”
Key elements of the Dog Haus franchise partnership model include:
- New senior leadership roles within the company held by proven operators
- A national area director program selecting 15 top-performing operators to help lead regional growth, with opportunities to invest in the brand
- Expanded governance participation, including operator representation at the Board of Directors level
Under the new structure, area directors will play an integral role in both strategy and execution, reinforcing Dog Haus’ shift toward a more collaborative, performance-driven system built on alignment at every level.
Additional announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the inaugural class of operator-leaders, the first group of area directors each signing on to open 100 Dog Haus locations.
More than a milestone moment, this launch represents a broader movement to modernize franchising – aligning operator success with brand performance and setting a new standard for what true partnership looks like in the industry.
For more information, visit DogHaus.com.
About Dog Haus
Since launching in 2010, Dog Haus has built a fiercely loyal nationwide following. Founded by longtime friends Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and André Vener, the brand got its start in Pasadena, Calif., and has since grown to 50+ locations across the U.S. Dog Haus is known for its craveable all-beef hot dogs and handcrafted sausages made with no added nitrates, alongside 100% Black Angus beef Smashburgers from Creekstone Farms® – all hormone- and antibiotic-free and served on grilled King’s Hawaiian buns. Driven by a mission to sustainably feed everyone who walks through its doors, Dog Haus also delivers an enticing lineup of plant-based burgers, sausage and chicken creations. In 2024, the brand leveled up with its biggest partnership yet, welcoming YouTuber and professional boxer Jake Paul as a franchisee and board member. Beloved by foodies and critics alike, Dog Haus has earned top industry honors, including Nation’s Restaurant News’ MenuMasters Award, Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers, and Franchise Times’ Zor Award as a “Top Brand to Buy.” The Dog Haus mobile app, Haus Rewards, brings together Dog Haus and Bad-Ass Breakfast Burritos in one seamless digital ordering and loyalty experience. For up-to-date location and brand information, visit at DogHaus.com or follow Dog Haus on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
Contact:
Courtney Sybesma
Champion
csybesma@championmgt.com