News

Gourmet doggies blow into Windy City

May 16, 2016

Dog Haus gourmet hot dogs will soon have five locations in the heart of Chicago, a city the franchise owner says is the "hot dog capital of the world."

Jesse Koontz, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Chicago native, is the franchisee of all five Chicago locations, the first of which will open later this year, according to a company news release. 

"In my mind, Chicago is the hot dog capital of the world and a major food mecca that boasts some of the world’s best restaurants," said Koontz. "People have preconceived ideas of what a hot dog is and how it’s made, but Dog Haus does a phenomenal job of altering those notions with its creative, quality-driven approach... a commitment that extends to their haus sausages and burgers, as well."

Dog Haus has now committed to opening more than 140 restaurants in  Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas.

"We were inspired by Jesse's passion and understanding of who we are as a brand, and immediately felt confident that he was the right person to share Dog Haus with the Chicago community," said Dog Haus co-founder and partner Quasim Riaz.

Koontz will open locations in Lake View, Lincoln Park, River North, Wicker Park and the West Loop neighborhoods, with the first slated to open in late 2016. Dog Haus now has 18 restaurants with plans for more in  coming months.