Longtime Jersey Mike’s Franchisees Join Dog Haus C-suite as Brand Targets National Push
Dog Haus enhances leadership to support ambitious growth beyond 60 locations.
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Dog Haus is targeting a significant national expansion by recruiting longtime Jersey Mike’s franchisees to its senior leadership team. The brand's new initiatives include a 50-unit development deal and a unique area director program aimed at fostering strong relationships with franchisees and improving unit economics.
Why It Matters
This suggests a shift in franchisee relations and operational practices that may improve unit economics, enhancing the overall attractiveness of the brand to potential franchisees and multi-unit operators.
Dog Haus, a gourmet hot dog and burger chain, is positioning itself for significant expansion beyond its current footprint of 60 units across 12 states. The brand recently welcomed seasoned franchisees Chris Rigassio and Garen Khodaverdian from Jersey Mike’s into its leadership as president and chief development officer and chief operating officer, respectively. Alongside their new roles, Rigassio and Khodaverdian have signed a development deal to open 50 additional locations, further cementing their commitment to the brand.
Rigassio, who operates 51 Jersey Mike's units and nine Wingstop restaurants through his company, Prospect Capital Restaurants, will spearhead an area director initiative. This program aims to onboard experienced multi-unit operators, enhancing growth in 15 specific regions. With operators from brands like Dave’s Hot Chicken and Tropical Smoothie Cafe already joining the initiative, there is potential for swift expansion. These area directors will also have chances for equity participation, fostering a more aligned relationship between the franchise and its operators.
Khodaverdian mentioned that his decision to finalize the sale of his 12 Jersey Mike’s locations is a commitment to invest fully in Dog Haus, emphasizing his focus on enhancing operational efficiencies and the customer experience to facilitate scalability beyond the current 60 restaurants. Dog Haus CEO Michael Montagano highlighted this shift in governance as a means to establish "more mutually aligned interests" between the brand and its franchisees, suggesting that closeness could drive better economic outcomes.
