Dog Haus Names Garen Khodaverdian Chief Operating Officer
Dog Haus strengthens leadership with new COO amid aggressive expansion plans.
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Dog Haus has appointed Garen Khodaverdian as chief operating officer as part of a growth strategy that includes a commitment to open 50 new units. Both Khodaverdian and his partner, Chris Rigassio, have experience as successful franchisees and are investing in the brand's future. Their focus will be on operational excellence and franchisee support.
Why It Matters
The addition of experienced leaders who understand franchisee needs suggests a strengthened brand commitment to support unit economics, which may enhance franchisee satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Garen Khodaverdian has been appointed as the chief operating officer of Dog Haus, a fast-casual restaurant franchise noted for its unique menu offerings. Khodaverdian brings with him extensive experience from his previous roles as a multi-unit owner of Jersey Mike’s and Wingstop, which he credits for his insights into leadership, scalability, and franchisee support. His focus at Dog Haus will be on streamlining operations, enhancing efficiencies, and managing costs, along with a commitment to operational excellence and franchisee success.
Khodaverdian was drawn to Dog Haus due to its strong brand identity and growth potential. He lauded the brand's comprehensive understanding of franchisee needs, stating, “What attracted me to Dog Haus was the combination of a strong brand identity, a unique menu, and a tremendous growth opportunity.” In conjunction with his appointment, Khodaverdian, alongside his longtime friend and Dog Haus president Chris Rigassio, has committed to opening 50 new units as part of the brand's expansion strategy, signaling a proactive approach to growth and franchisee collaboration.
Rigassio, who serves as the brand's president and chief development officer, shares a vision revolving around mutual success with franchisors and franchisees. Khodaverdian emphasized that “Franchisors succeed when franchisees succeed, and every initiative, program, and decision should be viewed through that lens.” The alignment of Khodaverdian’s operational skills with Rigassio’s development strategy indicates a strategic shift towards reinforcing franchise operations while scaling the brand effectively.
Michael Montagano, Dog Haus’s CEO, expressed confidence in the new leadership duo, noting their impressive backgrounds as franchise operators and business leaders. He remarked that they would be instrumental in elevating Dog Haus to new heights.
Founded in 2010 in Pasadena, California, Dog Haus has grown to over 50 locations and is well-known for its all-beef hot dogs, handcrafted sausages, and plant-based options. The franchise recently expanded its brand presence with the addition of YouTuber Jake Paul as a franchisee and board member.
Moving forward, it will be important to observe how Khodaverdian’s operational strategies and the 50-unit development plan unfold, potentially impacting the brand's expansion and franchisee relationships.
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