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How Dog Haus' menu innovation, tech-centric approach is doubling growth

Provided

January 10, 2020

Dog Haus, based in Pasadena, is hoping to propel its 9.1% growth in 2019 same-store sales growth into an even stronger 2020. 

"Dog Haus has been an emerging brand for several years now, and high demand for our signature menu has resulted in a loyal following that is so strong, we fully expect to experience record growth across the U.S. in 2020," Dog Haus Partner Quasim Riaz, said in a company press release. "It's befitting that this marks our 10-year anniversary because it's going to be a milestone year for us. We are well-positioned to exploit virtually any opportunity that presents itself to us, thanks to our strong infrastructure, pioneering spirit and ability to adapt to the ever-changing industry."

Throughout 2019, the chain positioned itself for growth by selling franchise territories in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming. This summer, the brand unveiled a partnership with Live Nation that brought Dog Haus to a dozen concert venues across the U.S., from San Diego to Boston. And in September, Dog Haus opened its first virtual restaurant location in Chicago, with many more to come nationwide. 

In conjunction with the brand's 10th anniversary, more than 20 franchise locations in 15 markets across seven states are projected for the new year, and 10 more virtual restaurants will launch via the Live Nation partnership, Riaz said.

Menu innovation has long been a staple of the Dog Haus brand, as evidenced by the launch of its chef collaboration series in 2018 and mixologist collaboration in 2019, both of which feature limited-time items rolled out on a monthly basis to benefit its national charity partner, No Kid Hungry. To date, Dog Haus has raised enough funds to provide over 1 million meals through the No Kid Hungry program. In December, the Chef Collaboration Series pushed the culinary envelope even further by introducing the first vegan item to the Dog Haus menu: the Take Bánh Mì sandwich.

It's also elevated its bar program with the launch of innovative cocktails made with premium ingredients by celebrity mixologist Phil Wills, of TV's "Bar Rescue." In 2020, the brand will continue its chef collaboration series and mixologist collaboration, working with Michelin star chefs and celebrity mixologists.

"Dog Haus has made incredible strides over the past few years as a breakout brand largely due to our willingness to take risks with our menu and the push boundaries of what a company will do for the communities it serves,” André Vener, a partner in Dog Haus, said in the release. “By teaming up with the brightest culinary minds in the business, we've been able to delight our guests with some of the most amazing flavors and creative dishes you'll find anywhere. We have some really exciting things planned for 2020 as well, both in the kitchen and in our proprietary bar program, so we think the best is yet to come."

Behind the scenes

Behind the scenes, 2019 brought the introduction of 1Huddle, a game platform for mobile devices that has transformed employee training at Dog Haus. Franchisees gave the system high marks for streamlining and enhancing the training process, enabling team members to gain greater knowledge, resulting in high customer service and satisfaction, according to the release. The craft casual concept also added value to its guests' experience through its mobile app, not only simplifying the order process, but improving communication of key holiday promotions and limited-time offers through push notifications.

Over the coming year, Dog Haus will implement additional technology platforms to further optimize restaurant operations. By integrating ZippyYum's suite of applications, including GoVentory, GoOps and GoTemp, nationwide, restaurant operators will be able to easily track and log inventory, control food cost, access an archive of video training materials and ensure food and equipment temperatures are consistently tracked and measured. 

"The use of ZippyYum's applications will simplify our operations practice and enable us to serve our guests at the highest level," Dog Haus Partner Hagop Giragossian," said in the release. "Everything we implement on the operations end is to guarantee that we deliver the kick-ass Dog Haus experience we're all about. 2020 is an opportunity for us to upgrade our existing practices while continuously elevating our craft casual concept."