Franchise News

Dat Dog Re-Energizes Franchise Strategy

Backed by new executive team, New Orleans-based brand eyes southern expansion with new franchise partners and new store design

NEW ORLEANS, LA – For nearly 10 years, Dat Dog has been a New Orleans staple with a devoted following. The brand, which specializes in gourmet hot dogs and sausages that can be customized with more than 30 toppings, is now on a mission to bring America’s favorite food to even more communities across the country. The category-defying restaurant is re-energizing its franchise program and looking to expand across the Gulf South.

With five locations in Louisiana and Texas, Dat Dog is looking to expand its presence across the Gulf South in areas such as Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and the Florida panhandle. To achieve that, the company intends to ramp up openings over the next five years to 50 or more locations nationwide.

“Over the past few years, we have rebuilt our team and re-energized the Dat Dog brand from the ground up,” said CEO Paul Tuennerman. “As a result, we are now in a stronger position for growth than ever before. We have solid brand presence in New Orleans, but there remains a lot of opportunity for Dat Dog across the south, and we’re excited to welcome new franchise partners to help us capture that opportunity and meet the needs of consumers in their communities.”

Founded in 2011, Dat Dog has garnered a cult following of customers drawn to the brand’s vibrant atmosphere, local beer, late-night hours and, of course, its hot dogs. The menu features a slew of gourmet sausages made from crawfish, alligator and duck, 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 patrons to customize their individual creations.

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.

Today, Dat Dog is actively seeking single-unit franchise partners who will have a unique opportunity to be among the first to deploy the concept’s new store design, characterized by modern colors and contemporary seating options. “It’s a blend of everything our guests already love about Dat Dog, upgraded with a casual, elevated atmosphere,” added Tuennerman. “By being first to market with our new design, new franchise owners will be at the forefront of a thriving new chapter for the Dat Dog brand.”

Including a franchise fee of $50,000, the initial investment for a Dat Dog restaurant ranges between $992,000 to $2,800,000.

For more information about Dat Dog’s franchise opportunity, visit www.datdog.com/franchising.

About Dat Dotg

Dat Dog is a New Orleans culinary institution with a devoted following, offering an array of gourmet sausages, all-beef hot dogs, award-winning French fries, premium spirits and a sampling of local craft beers, in a brightly colored, unpolished environment. Today, Dat Dog has five franchised and company-owned locations worldwide. For more information, visit www.datdog.com.