Dog Haus Launches New Development Model with Four Area Directors
Dog Haus has signed its first four area directors under a new development model, committing to over 400 restaurants across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Dog Haus has signed its first four area directors under a new development model, committing to more than 400 restaurants across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. The fast-casual chain, which currently has over 50 units, is leveraging a team of seasoned multi-unit franchise operators to accelerate its national growth. Each area director will oversee a territory of roughly 100 restaurants and has dual responsibilities: self-developing restaurants as an operator and coaching franchisees in their market.
The company said the model has room for 15 territories and 1,500 restaurants nationwide. The expansion is being executed by Chris Rigassio, who joined Dog Haus in summer 2024 as president and chief development officer. This aggressive growth plan arrives as the broader fast-casual sector faces slowed sales, making Dog Haus's structured push a notable industry development.
Seasoned franchise operators lead expansion
The development team includes veterans from Jersey Mike’s and Tropical Smoothie Cafe with decades of franchise experience. Dog Haus assembled a leadership team including three former Jersey Mike’s executives: Lauren Bellingham, vice president of store development with nearly 20 years of experience; Jerry Kallman, vice president of franchise sales with 30 years; and RJ Cancilla, director of real estate.
The first wave of area directors brings substantial operational history. Nick Crouch, who will lead development in Florida, has over 25 years of executive leadership and owns more than 135 Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations. Kyle Yancey, developing Delaware, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and northern Virginia, owns Opportunities Restaurant Group, which operates Jersey Mike’s locations in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Jesse Allen, tasked with Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, has over 13 years of restaurant industry experience and previously exited a Jersey Mike’s portfolio. PG1 Restaurants LLC, developing North Carolina, Tennessee, southern Virginia, and West Virginia, owns more than 60 restaurants including Dave’s Hot Chicken units.
| Area Director | Development Territory | Key Background |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Crouch | Florida | Over 25 years experience; owns 135+ Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations |
| PG1 Restaurants LLC | North Carolina, Tennessee, southern Virginia, West Virginia | Owns 60+ restaurants including Dave's Hot Chicken |
| Kyle Yancey | Delaware, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, northern Virginia | Owns Opportunities Restaurant Group (Jersey Mike's operator) |
| Jesse Allen | Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi | 13+ years experience; former Jersey Mike's franchisee |
Area directors serve as equity partners with board representation
Area directors join as equity partners, aligning their returns with the long-term performance of the system they build. They will serve as master franchisees and will have board representation as a group. The company stated that the success of the franchisees and long-term restaurant performance will be central to the area directors’ own success. This structure is designed to ensure that those leading the expansion have a direct stake in the sustained health and profitability of the brand.
National growth targets 1,500 restaurants by 2027
The model allows for 15 territories and 1,500 restaurants nationwide. The company expects to announce its second wave of area directors by the end of the first quarter of 2027. The goal is to sell out the entire country by the end of that same year. This growth builds on a revamp of the brand's franchising strategy announced last year. Dog Haus, a chef-driven brand founded in 2010, serves a menu of Smashburgers, signature Dogs & Sausages, and Bad-Ass Breakfast Burritos. It has earned industry honors including Nation’s Restaurant News’ MenuMasters Award and Franchise Times’ Zor Award. The company expects to announce its second wave of area directors by the end of the first quarter of 2027, with full national sell-out targeted by year-end 2027.
