Former Jersey Mike’s Leaders Join Dog Haus to Accelerate Expansion to 300 Sites

After Blackstone’s $8 billion acquisition of Jersey Mike’s, several former executives and franchisees—James Field (now chief marketing officer), Chris Rigassio (president and chief development officer) and Garen Khodaverdian (chief operating officer)—have regrouped at Dog Haus. Field described the partnership as a “one plus one equals three” opportunity, drawing on the brand-building experience they gained at Jersey Mike’s. Dog Haus, which currently runs roughly 60 outlets and opened its first permanent overseas restaurant in Mérida, Mexico, is targeting 300 locations and a $1 billion valuation, according to CEO Michael Montagano.

The company plans to split the United States into 15 regions overseen by area directors to preserve quality and steer local growth, while also bolstering its corporate systems. Montagano emphasized that having leaders who understand both corporate and franchisee perspectives gives Dog Haus a strategic advantage as it scales rapidly.