Things are already shaping up for 2019 to be a big year for Pasadena, Calif.-based Dog Haus. This fast-casual chain specializing in high-quality hot dogs and sausages expects to nearly double its store count, adding 30 new locations over the course of the year.

These stores, though, won’t all be Dog Haus restaurants. That’s because the company has developed a Dog Haus Biergarten concept that’s actually surpassed the original Dog Haus in popularity, accounting for 20 of the brand’s 36 locations.

The new Biergarten component essentially creates a hyrid bar/fast-casual concept for Dog Haus.Beer and fast casual aren’t exactly strangers. It’s now common for concepts in the space to have a tap or two. But Dog Haus Biergartens go above and beyond just a couple of drink options, says Hagop Giragossian, a partner in the company. Though the exact number varies depending on each store’s size and footprint, the ideal Biergarten has between 22 and 24 taps, offers wine and, in some cases, serves hard alcohol.

In essence, Dog Haus has created a bar/fast-casual hybrid.

For its fast-casual elements, the Biergarten offers the exact same menu as standard Dog Haus locations, including all-beef hot dogs, sausages and hamburgers. The general appearance of Biergarten locations matches Dog Haus’ legacy stores as well, with an industrial chic design including plenty of stained concrete, black metal table bases and exposed black ductwork.

The beer aspect of the Biergarten, though, is clear. Each of these locations has a sit-down bar with at least 8 and as many as 24 seats. Biergartens also ideally include an outdoor patio, though that’s not a requirement, says Giragossian.

Then there’s the general vibe of the different locations. While standard Dog Haus locations have a fast-casual ambience, the Biergartens have a slightly more bar-like atmosphere, with louder televisions and guests who are drawn in by the beer offering first.

“When you add alcohol, there is a different dynamic because of the age requirements,” says Giragossian. “But Dog Haus is always family friendly; children are always welcome. In a Biergarten, we have longer hours of operation. It isn’t a completely different type of customer, buy you do end up with a different age group.”

Concept Flexibility

Notably, Biergarten isn’t a new development for Dog Haus. It’s actually rooted in the chain’s second location, which dates back to 2011. From the beginning, says Giragossian, the company anticipated its stores would offer beer. As a test, Dog Haus added a full beer selection at its second location. This store produced impressive numbers, gained interest from franchisees, and the company started to look into the Biergarten concept as a growth vehicle — and a way to be flexible.

“As we explored [the viability of the Biergarten concept], we realized the opportunities across the country were going to change from city to city and state to state,” Giragossian says. “Sometimes a great opportunity would come, and it’s for a 1,400- or 1,500-square-foot location. Sometimes it would be 2,000 square feet. With different-sized spaces, we can plug in a different concept.”

Patio space extends the ambience into the outdoors.

More than just real estate goes into the decision to open a Biergarten versus a non-Biergarten store, of course. The chain and franchisee consider the exact location and nearby customer mix, as well as the franchisee’s preference. Owning a quasi bar with its longer hours, glassware needs, etc., is different than owning a fast-casual restaurant, after all.

Exactly what types of markets are the best fit for Biergartens versus legacy Dog Haus restaurants, though? That hasn’t quite been nailed down. The chain, says Giragossian, is still too early in its development to have figured that out.

While the Biergarten plays a major role in Dog Haus’ success, it isn’t the only reason the chain continues to thrive. The company has also found success with its venue business.

There are four Dog Haus venue locations, including one at the Los Angeles Coliseum, where the National Football League’s Rams play, and the Rose Bowl, where Dog Haus became the first outside vendor with a brick-and-mortar spot, says Giragossian. The chain is also in conversation with venue operator Live Nation to open in more spots around the country.

Then there’s the infrastructure Dog Haus has created to set itself up for expansion. The chain has honed its store design, built a strong marketing team and improved its operations to increase consistency and throughput, says Giragossian. These efforts include a griddle advancement. Dog Haus worked with the manufacturer of its flattop grill to develop a low-cost clamshell-style burger smasher that can flatten up to eight burgers at a time. The piece of equipment makes it easier for staff to work the grill station, Giragossian notes.

Overall, then, Dog Haus has put itself in an enviable position. It’s got the flexibility to open in different footprints, the infrastructure and systems to grow rapidly, and, of course, its popular beer-themed concept that’s expanding the definition of fast casual.

“There are not a lot of fast-casual concepts that have this component. There’s a uniqueness to it,” says Giragossian. “When we first started, we didn’t make the Biergarten as an available option. We were only going to do the smaller, regular footprint Dog Haus. Our franchisees forced us to offer it, and I think it’s all for the better.”