Dog Haus, the three-year-old Southern California concept known for its hot dogs, announced the first five franchise locations that will be opening in 2014 as part of its ambitious expansion plans beyond its Pasadena home base. Since the concept began selling franchises in August 2013, the Dog Haus franchisee roster has grown to 11 throughout Southern California, Denver, and Utah, with 51 planned locations on the horizon, including the current five outposts with signed leases. Restaurants will be opening in Canoga Park, Santa Ana, West Covina, Burbank, and Rancho Cucamonga, with Canoga Park kicking things off in the spring.

“We are humbled by our franchisee's enthusiasm for the brand and can't wait to see that passion come to fruition with the opening of these first locations,” says Dog Haus partner André Vener. “It's been an exciting past few months for us, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to bring Dog Haus to these communities throughout Southern California."

After franchisee Paul Homayoun opens the first franchise location at 6501Topanga Canyon in Canoga Park in the spring, Dog Haus will expand into Orange County with franchisee Ryan Welch's location in Santa Ana at the Westfield Mall.  Subsequent locations will open from franchisee Owen Yan in West Covina, Diana Ramos in Burbank, as well as an additional location from Welch in Rancho Cucamonga.

To maintain quality and consistency, newly appointed culinary director Michael Brown will be overseeing menu operations as the brand grows into these new markets. Brown most recently helmed culinary operations for Google and Nike.

"As we grow, it's essential for us that the Dog Haus experience remain the same at each restaurant," says Dog Haus partner Hagop Giragossian, who conceptualized the original menu and continues to provide culinary leadership. "We are confident that with our dynamic team and passionate franchisees, the creative spirit that has made Dog Haus so successful will continue to breed future successes in these new communities."