Dat Dog, a popular New Orleans franchise chain that specializes in gourmet hot dogs and sausages that can be dressed in a selection of over 30 different toppings, has signed a lease for the first of 25 locations in the Houston metro area.

Located on the corner of Times Boulevard and Morningside Drive, just blocks from Rice Stadium in Rice Village, the 2,900 square foot store is expected to open just in time for the start of the 2018-2019 school year. Construction is set to start in the coming weeks

When complete, the new eatery will provide seating for 50-60 customers, with an additional 20-30 seats on the outdoor patio area.

“Dat Dog is different. It’s a fresh concept, and we’re very excited to bring a little bit of offbeat New Orleans to Rice [Village],” says Greg Hamer, CEO of B&G Food Enterprises, the franchisee group that will own and operate all 25 Houston locations. “Dat Dog’s vibrant atmosphere, late-night hours and, of course, its hot dogs will no doubt bring additional vibrancy to the campus and introduce students to an entirely new dining experience.”

The Dat Dog menu features an artfully crafted menu of Hot Dogs, sausages (crawfish, alligator and duck), burgers and chicken, in addition to the traditional beef wiener. The more than 30 toppings available at no extra charge—including unconventional options like blackberry sauce, guacamole, Sriracha mayo and crawfish etouffee—allow customers to create their very own “jazz improvisation in a bun.” The restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan sausage options, in addition to a hot dog wrapped in a lettuce leaf instead of a traditional bun for carb avoiders.

“We are so excited about this partnership. While hot dogs are just beginning to penetrate the marketplace, Dat Dog offers a unique menu selection, ranging from our Crawfish Étouffée Dog to our Alligator Sausage, which is guaranteed to put a smile on each customer’s face,” says Constantine Georges, founder and CEO of Dat Dog.

“Everything that we serve is in the shape of a hot dog, including our burgers, which are rolled from freshly ground beef, and chicken, which is cut into strips and grilled or fried,” says Bill DiPaola, president and COO of Dat Dog. “At Dat Dog, you can come in and watch the game, drink a local craft beer, play trivia or corn hole. You can hang out and be loose and easy. I believe that our quirky culture and crazy delicious dogs will be welcomed with open arms on campus.”

“As we begin to expand outside of our home market, it is crucial to find the right franchise partners who are deeply passionate about the brand and are excited to promote our quirky culture. We know B&G Food Enterprises, LLC will be instrumental to establishing the brand in Texas,” says Bill DiPaola, Dat Dog’s President and COO.

Philanthropic giving and social good are also built into Dat Dog’s DNA. The company regularly hosts fundraising events on- and off-site for causes of all kinds, especially those related to animal welfare, at-risk youth, and education. According to Hamer, Dat Dog’s Houston locations will regularly host charitable events and fundraisers, in addition to responding directly to people in need.  

While there are no other set locations at this point, Hamer said his team is aggressively eyeing several areas, including Downtown, Midtown, Montrose and The Woodlands, among others.

Fast Casual, Growth, News, Dat Dog