CJ Ramirez promoted to executive vice president and Justin Bartek also named VP
Dog Haus announced today the promotion of Christopher J. Ramirez to executive vice president of marketing and the hiring of Justin Bartek as vice president of marketing as popular brand beefs up for the next stage of growth.
Ramirez has spent almost a decade with Dog Haus and was instrumental in developing and launching The Absolute Brands. As a senior executive team member, he will continue leading the high-performing creative, marketing and technology teams that deliver transformational growth through disruptive innovation for the brand and its franchisees.
With nearly 20 years’ experience in the restaurant industry, most recently with JINYA Ramen Bar, Bartek brings an impressive track record in building high-growth brands. Working alongside Ramirez, he will play a pivotal role in taking The Absolute brands to the next level through marketing strategies that create strategic partnerships and drive digital transformation through data-driven insights and consumer testing.
The duo is already using a combined approach as postive feedback and key data showed that Bad Ass Breakfast Burritos are one of The Absolute Brand’s biggest hits. Bartek and Ramirez’s bad ass response? They added them to the Dog Haus menu during this winter’s FIFA World Cup so more fans can enjoy!
“You couldn’t dream up a better one-two punch to lead our marketing team and take our brand to the next level,” said Dog Haus Partner André Vener. “CJ’s vision and execution are unparalleled, and his contributions to Dog Haus over the years cannot be overstated. Justin is one of the smartest marketing people I know, and his track record speaks for itself. Our brand couldn’t be in better hands.”
Prior to joining Dog Haus, Bartek played a key role in helping brands – such as Jinya Holdings, The Halal Guys, Veggie Grill, Qdoba Mexican Grill and Baja Fresh – grow from regional sensations into national and international brands.
“I’m stoked to welcome Justin to our team,” Ramirez said. “He’s a natural fit for our multifaceted, incredibly fast-paced and innovative organization. Without a doubt, his restaurant marketing experience will benefit our franchisees and help us achieve our second-decade growth plan with ease.”
Ramirez and Bartek combined bring over five decades of experience in a variety of creative fields, helping form a unique duo that can tackle any challenge the ever-changing restaurant industry develops. Ramirez has experience in creative development, marketing and communication with clients across the globe, with Bartek bringing a tech-driven approach in developing and expanding highly valued partnerships and collaborations between brands, franchisees, vendors and others.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the amazing Dog Haus team,” said Bartek. “My career has been focused on growing franchise brands, so I firmly believe my experience fits well with our mission. Get ready for the absolute würst in 2023 because Dog Haus and The Absolute Brands will explode next year and beyond.”
Dog Haus is an award-winning concept known for its gourmet hot dogs, sausages, burgers, plant-based and fried chicken offerings, creative full bar program and The Absolute Brands (virtual concepts). Founded by longtime friends Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and André Vener, the first Dog Haus opened in Pasadena, California in 2010. Dog Haus was honored with Nation’s Restaurant News’ prestigious MenuMasters Award and has been named in Fast Casual’s Top 10 Movers and Shakers list since 2020. Most recently, Franchise Times announced the winners of its annual Zor Awards and Dog Haus came out on top – winning the prized honor of “Top Brand to Buy.” Earlier this year, the brand was also recognized in QSR Magazine’s list of Best Brands to Work For. Dog Haus continues to garner critical acclaim for its signature all beef dogs and hand-crafted sausages with no added nitrates, and 100% Black Angus beef burgers – all of which are made with hormone- and antibiotic-free meat and served on grilled King’s Hawaiian rolls. With its mission to sustainably feed everyone who walks through their doors, Dog Haus also offers a diverse lineup of plant-based burger, sausage and chicken creations. While striving to establish itself as a “haus”-hold name, the brand has helped raise enough funds from its innovative collaboration with high-profile chefs to feed over two million kids in need through its national charity partner No Kid Hungry.
For up-to-date location and brand information, visit doghaus.com or follow Dog Haus on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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