PASADENA, CA – Dog Haus, the critically acclaimed fast-casual concept celebrated for its gourmet take on American classics, has announced a transformative development that marks a new era in the brand’s history. In a move that blends aggressive unit growth with a fundamental restructuring of its leadership hierarchy, Dog Haus has inked a massive 50-unit development deal. This expansion is bolstered by the appointment of two industry titans, Chris Rigassio and Garen Khodaverdian, to the brand’s executive leadership team and ownership partnership.

The announcement represents more than a simple expansion; it is a strategic pivot intended to propel the Pasadena-born brand from a successful regional player to a national powerhouse with a projected footprint of 1,500 units. Under the new arrangement, Rigassio steps into the role of President and Chief Development Officer, while Khodaverdian assumes the mantle of Chief Operating Officer. Both leaders have also joined the brand’s core partnership group, aligning their interests with founders Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz, and André Vener, alongside CEO Michael Montagano.

Main Facts: A Convergence of Operations and Growth

The core of this announcement lies in the synergy between a significant capital commitment and the acquisition of top-tier executive talent. The 50-unit deal is not merely a development agreement on paper; it is a blueprint for the brand’s immediate future. The first location under this new agreement has already opened its doors in San Fernando, California, serving as a proof-of-concept for the operational efficiencies Rigassio and Khodaverdian intend to implement nationwide.

Leadership and Ownership Integration

Unlike traditional corporate hires, Rigassio and Khodaverdian have entered the "inner circle" of Dog Haus. By joining the partnership group, they are financially and strategically tethered to the brand’s long-term success. This "skin in the game" approach is designed to bridge the historical divide between franchisor and franchisee, creating a unified front as the company targets an ambitious 1,500-unit goal across existing and untapped markets.

The New Executive Mandate

Reporting directly to CEO Michael Montagano, the new executives bring a wealth of experience from some of the most successful franchise systems in the United States. Chris Rigassio, in his dual role as President and CDO, is tasked with architecting a nationwide area director system. This system will divide the country into 15 defined geographic regions, with each area director overseeing approximately 100 territories.

Garen Khodaverdian, as COO, will focus on the "internal engine" of the brand. His mandate covers the streamlining of store-level operations, cost management, and the preservation of the "Dog Haus experience" during rapid scaling. His focus is on ensuring that the 500th store maintains the same culinary integrity and culture as the original Pasadena location.

Chronology: From Pasadena Roots to National Aspirations

To understand the magnitude of this deal, one must look at the steady trajectory of Dog Haus since its inception.

• 2010: The Founding: Dog Haus was established in Pasadena, California, by friends Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz, and André Vener. The concept was simple yet revolutionary: elevate the humble hot dog and burger using high-quality ingredients and a "chef-driven" mentality.
• 2011–2023: Steady Growth and Accolades: The brand expanded across the U.S., reaching over 50 locations. During this period, Dog Haus earned significant industry recognition, including the Nation’s Restaurant News MenuMasters Award and a spot on Fast Casual’s Top 25 Movers and Shakers.
• Early 2024: The Jake Paul Partnership: In a move that captured global headlines, Dog Haus welcomed YouTuber and professional boxer Jake Paul as both a franchisee and a member of the Board of Directors. This partnership signaled the brand’s intent to leverage modern celebrity influence and digital-first marketing.
• Spring 2024: The San Fernando Launch: The first unit of the new 50-unit deal opened in San Fernando, marking the beginning of the Rigassio-Khodaverdian era.
• Present: The C-Suite Transformation: The official announcement of Rigassio and Khodaverdian’s executive roles and partnership status solidifies the framework for the 1,500-unit expansion plan.

Supporting Data: The Power of the "Blue-Chip" Operator

The confidence behind the 1,500-unit target is rooted in the proven track record of the new leadership. Both Rigassio and Khodaverdian are "battle-tested" operators who began their careers on the front lines of the industry.

The Jersey Mike’s and Wingstop Pedigree

Both executives started as part-time employees at Jersey Mike’s Subs, one of the fastest-growing franchise systems in history. They rose through the ranks to become multi-unit franchisees, eventually managing a portfolio of over 100 locations across the Jersey Mike’s and Wingstop brands. This background provides them with a "franchisee-first" perspective that is often missing in corporate suites.

The Area Director Model

The strategy for the 1,500-unit expansion relies on a sophisticated "Area Director" system. Key data points of this strategy include:

• 15 Geographic Regions: The U.S. market has been segmented into 15 hubs to allow for localized management and supply chain efficiency.
• 100 Territories Per Region: By assigning 100 territories to each Area Director, Dog Haus can ensure that growth is managed by experts who have a deep understanding of their specific markets.
• Streamlined Real Estate: Rigassio’s initiatives include a revamped real estate selection process designed to reduce the time between lease signing and grand opening, a critical metric for franchisee profitability.

Culinary Differentiation

Dog Haus continues to leverage its unique menu as a competitive advantage. The brand utilizes:

• Creekstone Farms: 100% Black Angus beef for its Smashburgers.
• Hormone- and Antibiotic-Free Proteins: All hot dogs and sausages are made without added nitrates.
• King’s Hawaiian Buns: A signature element that provides a consistent flavor profile across all locations.

Official Responses: A Vision of Alignment

The leadership team has been vocal about the "unprecedented" nature of this deal and what it means for the future of franchising.

Michael Montagano, CEO of Dog Haus, emphasized the importance of the new partners’ operational background. "Chris and Garen bring an unmatched combination of operational excellence, franchisee experience, and strategic vision to our table," Montagano stated. "I’ve known both for years and watched them build impressive portfolios… they are the right partners to help take Dog Haus to the next level. This is an unprecedented deal that bridges the gap between franchisor and franchisee, where economic and governance interests are truly aligned."

Chris Rigassio, President and CDO, drew parallels between Dog Haus and the giants of the industry. "Everything in life is about timing," Rigassio said. "I was fortunate to be part of Jersey Mike’s and Wingstop during pivotal stages of their growth. After spending two years doing my due diligence on Dog Haus, I feel that same momentum here. The strength of its founders, Michael’s leadership, and the unique partnership with Jake Paul make our brand perfectly positioned."

Garen Khodaverdian, COO, highlighted the brand’s potential for scalability without losing its soul. "Dog Haus has the DNA of a national powerhouse – an amazing menu, strong brand identity, and an energized following," Khodaverdian noted. "What excites me most is the opportunity to scale this brand the right way by prioritizing consistency, operational strength, and people-first leadership. We’re not just growing but rather elevating Dog Haus."

Implications: Reshaping the Fast-Casual Landscape

The entry of Rigassio and Khodaverdian into the Dog Haus leadership and ownership structure has several profound implications for the restaurant industry and the fast-casual segment.

1. The Rise of the "Operator-Owner" Model

This deal sets a new precedent for how franchise brands can attract top-tier talent. By offering equity and partnership to successful multi-unit operators, Dog Haus is ensuring that its executive decisions are grounded in the realities of store-level operations. This alignment could become a template for other mid-sized brands looking to break into the "national" tier.

2. Competitive Pressure in the "Better-Burger" Segment

While the burger market is crowded, Dog Haus’s dual focus on gourmet hot dogs and sausages gives it a unique niche. With an aggressive 1,500-unit target, Dog Haus is positioning itself to compete directly with established giants. The efficiency of the Area Director model will likely allow Dog Haus to secure prime real estate that was previously dominated by larger chains.

3. Digital and Cultural Integration

With the inclusion of Jake Paul and the continued development of the "Haus Rewards" app (which integrates Dog Haus with its virtual brand, Bad-Ass Breakfast Burritos), the company is leaning heavily into the "lifestyle brand" category. This multi-channel approach—combining high-quality physical dining with a strong digital loyalty presence and celebrity-driven marketing—is designed to capture a younger, tech-savvy demographic that traditional fast-food brands often struggle to retain.

4. Operational Standardization at Scale

The biggest challenge for any chef-driven concept is maintaining quality during rapid expansion. The appointment of Khodaverdian as COO is a direct response to this challenge. If Dog Haus can successfully standardize its gourmet menu across 1,500 units without sacrificing the "Pasadena quality" that made it famous, it will have achieved a feat that few in the industry have managed.

Conclusion

The 50-unit deal and the C-suite expansion represent a "coming of age" for Dog Haus. By combining the creative spark of its original founders with the seasoned operational muscle of Rigassio and Khodaverdian, the brand has built a foundation capable of supporting its lofty 1,500-unit ambition. As the first units of the new deal begin to populate the California landscape and beyond, the industry will be watching closely to see if this new model of franchisor-franchisee alignment becomes the new gold standard for national growth.

For more information about the brand’s expansion and its unique menu offerings, visit DogHaus.com.