A group of former Jersey Mike’s executives and franchisees is reuniting at Dog Haus, a Pasadena-based fast-casual chain, with plans to grow the brand from roughly 60 locations to 300 and reach a $1 billion valuation. The team’s arrival follows Blackstone’s January 2025 acquisition of a majority stake in Jersey Mike’s in a deal valued at about $8 billion, according to SEC filings.
James Field, who served as Jersey Mike’s chief innovation officer, joined Dog Haus as chief marketing officer in recent months. He now works alongside President and Chief Development Officer Chris Rigassio and Chief Operating Officer Garen Khodaverdian, both former Jersey Mike’s franchisees. The leadership shuffle signals a deliberate effort to apply the playbook that helped Jersey Mike’s scale into a national submarine sandwich powerhouse.
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A ‘run it back’ mentality after the Blackstone deal
Field told FOX Business that the group could have pursued separate ventures after the Jersey Mike’s sale but chose to stay together. “We all could have gone off and done different things individually after the sale of Jersey Mike’s,” he said. “I think we just thought if we stay together, it’s a one plus one equals three scenario.”
He added: “When you’ve been in the trenches with people through that type of brand growth that you saw at Jersey Mike’s, you say, ‘My gosh, let’s run it back.'”
Dog Haus CEO Michael Montagano said the company is “laser focused” on the 60-to-300 expansion, with a $1 billion valuation serving as its “North Star.” He emphasized that building a team capable of executing at that scale is the first major step.
“One major step in that success is building a team that is capable of executing to this level of scale,” Montagano told FOX Business. He credited Jersey Mike’s systematic growth, franchisee relationships, and consistent customer experience as a model Dog Haus intends to replicate.
What Dog Haus brings to the table
Founded in 2010, Dog Haus serves hot dogs, sausages, burgers, chicken, and breakfast burritos. The chain opened its first permanent international location in Mérida, Mexico, in June, signaling early momentum beyond U.S. borders.
Field said Dog Haus’s founders, food quality, and early investments in delivery and digital ordering convinced the former Jersey Mike’s leaders the brand was ready for a larger push. “When you look at the assets that it has, it’s primed for success,” he said. “When you look at what Dog Haus has been through over the last 15 years — different economic cycles, different crazes and fads and trends in the industry — not only has it survived, but it’s thrived.”
The company is now building the infrastructure it believes it will need before accelerating expansion. Plans include dividing the country into 15 regions overseen by area directors responsible for maintaining quality and guiding local growth. Montagano said the company is “thinking ahead and making sure that we have the right pieces in place in order to meet that demand that we’re already seeing at scale.”
Why the Jersey Mike’s playbook matters for Dog Haus
Jersey Mike’s growth under its prior leadership was notable for its disciplined franchise model. The chain expanded methodically, prioritizing franchisee success and operational consistency over rapid, uncontrolled growth. That approach ultimately culminated in the Blackstone acquisition, which valued the company at roughly $8 billion.
Montagano said having executives who understand both the corporate and franchisee sides of the business gives Dog Haus an advantage. “We believe that going 60 to 300 over the next few years is really a layup,” he said. “It’s really about what we can do beyond that.”
The fast-casual segment has seen mixed fortunes in recent years, with some brands struggling to maintain growth amid rising labor and food costs. Dog Haus’s bet is that its diversified menu — hot dogs, burgers, and breakfast items — offers resilience across dayparts and consumer preferences.
For observers, the key question is whether the Jersey Mike’s formula can translate to a smaller, more eclectic brand. The team’s track record suggests they know how to scale a franchise system, but Dog Haus’s identity is distinct. Its success will depend on whether it can replicate Jersey Mike’s operational discipline without losing the quirky, craft-oriented appeal that has drawn its current customer base.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The restaurant industry involves significant market risks, and expansion plans may not materialize as described. Readers should conduct their own research before making any business or investment decisions.
