Dat Dog has turned its attention toward Texas and is looking to add locations in Austin, Waco, and Temple.
While there are no set locations at this point, CEO Paul Tuennerman believes the Austin and Waco markets can each support one location. There is already a location in development in Rice Village, in Houston as well.
“Hot dogs are a staple of American cuisine,” says Tuennerman. “Dat Dog is unique because our menu offerings include traditional beef hot dogs, as well as options like crawfish, alligator, duck, and vegan sausages. The Austin and Waco areas have very exciting and active food scenes, which mesh perfectly with Dat Dog’s energetic atmosphere. We look forward to beginning our search for enthusiastic franchise partners to lead Dat Dog’s expansion into these markets.”
Dat Dog’s plans for expansion in Austin, Waco, and Temple are a part of Tuennerman’s growth plan for the brand throughout the Southern market. Tuennerman, a former executive with Raising Cane’s, has plenty of experience growing a restaurant brand and is primed to take Dat Dog to new heights. Unable to resolve issues with the availability of parking near its College Station restaurant, Tuennerman supported Dat Dog’s franchisee’s recent decision to close this location and look for alternatives in the market..
“We are being very selective and looking towards locations that we know will be successful,” says Tuennerman. “We are excited to re-enter Texas, starting with our Houston location in development, and then in Austin and Waco once we find the right franchisee.”
Founded in 2011, Dat Dog is a New Orleans culinary institution with a devoted following, an array of gourmet sausages, all-beef hot dogs, French fries, tater tots, premium spirits and a sampling of local craft beers, in a brightly colored, unpolished environment. Dat Dog also offers vegetarian and vegan options to accommodate each customer’s dietary needs. With more than 30 toppings available at no extra charge – including unconventional options like blackberry sauce, guacamole, chipotle mayo and crawfish etouffee –customers have the freedom to create their very own culinary masterpiece.
“Dat Dog is an energetic restaurant where amazing food combines with incredible staff to form a unique, unpolished environment. Our artfully crafted cuisine of hot dogs and sausages blend the soul of Louisiana with the sophistication of Europe, in a bohemian atmosphere. I know the Texas markets will fall in love with our quirky culture and our delicious hot dogs and sausages.”
Including a franchise fee of $50,000, the total investment necessary to begin operation of a Dat Dog franchise is between $992,000 and $2,800,000.
