Pasadena Hot Dog Chain Scores Big in the Windy City

Pasadena-based Dog Haus is opening at least five locations in Chicago, including a first in Lincoln Park that may open by the end of the year.

Jesse Koontz, a former marine and KPMG consultant, has signed with Dog Haus to open the Chicago franchise, and with another investor has taken out a small business loan to finance the deal. He was said to have been working on a protein bakery concept but then decided in November to switch to Dog Haus.

Koontz has eyes on other Chicago spots like Lake View, Wicker Park, River North and the Loop, although no leases have been signed yet. Chicago Business says Koontz’s favorite Dog Haus offering is the Scott Baoli dog with smoked bacon, white American cheese, garlic aioli and caramelized onions.

Dog Haus is Southern California’s craft casual hot dog concept founded in 2010 by partners Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and André Vener who all have a passion for creativity, quality and commitment to community.

The first Dog Haus opened in Pasadena in 2010 offering signature 100 percent all-beef skinless Haus Dogs, Haus Sausages and 100 percent natural Black Angus beef burgers on grilled King’s Hawaiian Rolls.

Open for lunch and dinner daily, guests can choose from signature Haus creations or customize their own from a selection of more than 40 quality toppings.

Dog Haus currently operates three-company owned locations in the Pasadena area.

For more, see http://www.doghaus.com/ .