Fast-casual hot dog and burger chain Dog Haus has signed a major 50-unit franchise development agreement while simultaneously strengthening its executive leadership team, as the company pushes toward an ambitious long-term goal of 1,500 restaurants across the United States.
The brand announced the appointment of Chris Rigassio as President and Chief Development Officer and Garen Khodaverdian as Chief Operating Officer. Alongside taking executive roles, the duo has also signed a 50-unit development deal and joined the company’s ownership partnership alongside founders Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz, André Vener and CEO Michael Montagano.
Rigassio and Khodaverdian are experienced multi-unit franchise operators who together manage more than 100 restaurant locations across brands including Jersey Mike’s Subs and Wingstop. Both began their restaurant careers as part-time employees at Jersey Mike’s before building large franchise portfolios.
According to the company, the executives will oversee Dog Haus’ planned expansion strategy, which includes recruiting top-performing franchise operators from other restaurant brands and establishing a nationwide area director model. Under the plan, the company aims to appoint 15 area directors, each responsible for developing approximately 100 stores within designated territories.
“Everything in life is about timing,” Rigassio said. “After spending two years doing my due diligence on Dog Haus, I feel that same momentum here.” He added that his experience during the growth phases of Jersey Mike’s and Wingstop convinced him that Dog Haus has similar expansion potential.
Khodaverdian said the brand possesses “the DNA of a national powerhouse,” highlighting its menu, brand identity and customer following. He noted that the company’s focus will be on operational consistency, efficiency and people-first leadership as it scales nationally.
CEO Michael Montagano described the appointments as a strategic move that aligns franchise and corporate interests more closely. “Chris and Garen bring an unmatched combination of operational excellence, franchisee experience and strategic vision,” he said.
Founded in 2010 in Pasadena, California, Dog Haus has built its reputation around gourmet hot dogs, burgers, sausages and craft beer offerings served on King’s Hawaiian rolls. The chain currently operates just over 50 restaurants nationwide. According to Restaurant Dive, the brand had roughly 58 locations listed in its 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, indicating relatively stable unit counts in recent years before the latest growth push.
The company has recently accelerated development efforts across several U.S. markets, including Arkansas, Ohio, Florida and Kentucky, while also drawing attention through its partnership with YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul, who joined the brand as a franchisee and board member in 2024.
With experienced franchise operators now embedded in both its ownership and executive ranks, Dog Haus is betting that a franchisee-led leadership model can help transform the 50-unit chain into a large-scale national restaurant brand over the coming years.
