Acclaimed gourmet hot dog, sausage and burger concept announces area development agreement signing with local partners for expansion in home state
Dog Haus, the nationally recognized brand known for its chef-driven hot dogs, sausages, burgers, chicken and more, is set to make a bold entry into the East Bay area with NoCal Ventures, LLC set to open six new additional locations in the area.
Alex Munoz and Wesley Olson, co-founders and managing partners of NoCal Ventures, plan to kick off their Dog Haus venture with the opening of their first location in 2024, followed by subsequent restaurants every six to 12 months. The East Bay cities where the new restaurants will debut include Brentwood, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Walnut Creek and Concord.
“Choosing Alex and Wesley as partners was a no-brainer for us,” said Dog Haus Executive Vice President of Franchise Development Erik Hartung. “We’re thrilled to be working with a duo whose business acumen and energy are almost impossible to match. I can’t wait to see what they do with our brand to make the East Bay an even greater market for us.”
Munoz, a seasoned IT industry professional with more than 25 years of experience and the current CEO of a cutting-edge software development company, joins forces with Olson, a highly accomplished real estate broker and investor with more than two decades of experience in the East Bay area.
“We are ecstatic to be a part of the Dog Haus brand,” said Munoz. “We love the casual, open and modern atmosphere, the large craft beer selections on tap, the brand’s emphasis on becoming active in the communities it does business and of course, the delicious, high-quality food. Both of us love Dog Haus’ emphasis on new flavor combinations, sustainable ingredients and ensuring there’s something for everyone on the menu. We see the potential for success in this partnership and aim to create vibrant spaces that become integral parts of their communities, just like us.”
Munoz holds two doctoral degrees — one in information technology and another in business administration, focusing on startups and business development in competitive markets. He also serves as CEO and president of SpotOn Teaching Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 community benefit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the next generation of scientists and inventors.
Olson owns and operates the WR Properties real estate agency in the East Bay area, with special expertise in property investments and client services. He has built and sold several successful companies and is co-founder of the WRIGHTT Foundation, which is dedicated to reaching out to at-risk teens and parents with at-risk teens while providing safe, secure and confidential resources and support.
“We’re exclusively and wholly invested in the success and growth of our Dog Haus franchise locations, and our dynamic plan allows for additional restaurants to meet growing demand,” said Olson, an East Bay area resident for more than 20 years. “We look forward to engaging with our community by throwing a grand opening Haus Party, with special and unique events, as well as creating ongoing opportunities to give back to our communities at each location we launch.”
With Olson’s prowess in real estate and marketing, plus Munoz’s background in technology innovation, regulatory and consumer expectations, and business strategy, the Dog Haus team is confident the two California residents and business partners joining the brand marks a significant step in its expansion strategy.
Founded by longtime friends in Pasadena, California, in 2010, Dog Haus is an award-winning concept known for its gourmet hot dogs, sausages, burgers, as well as plant-based and fried chicken creations, creative full bar program and The Absolute Brands.
Dog Haus is an award-winning concept known for burgers, brats and brews. Its gourmet hot dogs, sausages, burgers, plant-based and fried chicken offerings, creative full bar program and virtual concepts The Absolute Brands enjoy a devoted following nationwide. Founded by longtime friends Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and André Vener, the first Dog Haus opened in Pasadena, California in 2010. Dog Haus’s newly launched iOS and Android app, Haus Rewards, encompasses both Dog Haus, and virtual concept Bad-Ass Breakfast Burritos, includes a digital ordering experience and a revamped loyalty program, all within an intuitive and user-friendly app experience. 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 consistently 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.” The brand 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. As more and more diners make the brand a “haus”-hold name, Dog Haus continues to give back through its national charity partnership with No Kid Hungry, donating proceeds from its Absolute Würst Sausage Series to help feed millions of kids nationwide.
For up-to-date location and brand information, visit DogHaus.com or follow Dog Haus on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.
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