Jersey Mike’s alums look to ‘run it back’ with fast-casual chain Dog Haus targeting 300 locations

Several former Jersey Mike’s executives and franchisees are reuniting at Dog Haus, betting the lessons they learned helping build the submarine sandwich giant can turn the fast-casual restaurant chain into a national powerhouse.

Dog Haus recently named former Jersey Mike’s chief innovation officer James Field as chief marketing officer. He joins President and Chief Development Officer Chris Rigassio and Chief Operating Officer Garen Khodaverdian, both former Jersey Mike’s franchisees.

The reunion follows Blackstone’s January 2025 acquisition of a majority stake in Jersey Mike’s in a deal valued at roughly $8 billion, according to SEC filings. 

Field told FOX Business that the group could have pursued separate opportunities following the sale, but saw a chance to stay together and help scale Dog Haus, which currently operates roughly 60 locations.

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“We all could have gone off and done different things individually after the sale of Jersey Mike’s,” Field said. “… I think we just thought if we stay together, it’s a one plus one equals three scenarios.”

Field 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 growing from roughly 60 restaurants to 300, with a $1 billion valuation serving as its “North Star.”

“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 said Jersey Mike’s grew systematically while maintaining strong relationships with franchisees and delivering a consistent customer experience — a model Dog Haus hopes to follow as it enters new markets.

“Ultimately, that was done very responsibly and yielded a fantastic result,” Montagano said.

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Founded in Pasadena, California, in 2010, Dog Haus serves hot dogs, sausages, burgers, chicken and breakfast burritos. The chain opened its first permanent international restaurant in Mérida, Mexico, in June.

Field said Dog Haus’ founders, food and early investments in delivery and digital ordering helped convince the former Jersey Mike’s leaders that the brand was ready for a larger growth push.

“When you look at the assets that it has, it’s primed for success,” Field 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.

Dog Haus plans to divide the country into 15 regions overseen by area directors responsible for maintaining quality and guiding local growth. The company is also building its corporate infrastructure before accelerating expansion.

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“We’re 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,” he said.

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Montagano said having executives who understand both the corporate and franchisee sides of the business gives Dog Haus an advantage as it pursues its expansion target.

“We believe that going 60 to 300 over the next few years is really a layup,” Montagano said. “It’s really about what we can do beyond that.”