Dog Haus has served gourmet hot dogs, sausages and burgers since 2010. Next month, the fast-casual chain will expand its menu to compete in the crowded world of chicken sandwiches.
On July 6, Dog Haus will debut a new chicken sandwich developed in partnership with “Top Chef” winner Ilan Hall. Dubbed the Bad Mutha Clucka, the fried chicken sandwich is made with natural, cage-free chicken breast, raised without antibiotics or added hormones, and brined before frying. It’s topped with miso ranch, lettuce and pickles. Like the hot dogs at Dog Haus, the chicken sandwich is served on a grilled King’s Hawaiian roll. The sandwich is priced at $7.99, but prices may vary.
It’s not the first time Dog Haus has collaborated with Hall. Last year, the chef created The Naughty Dog to promote the film “Sausage Party.”
“There’s nothing wrong with too many chefs in the kitchen,” said Dog Haus co-founder André Vener.
While the 23-unit chain is popular for its hot dogs, Vener said guests just wanted a chicken sandwich. The goal was to create one that would stand out.
“You can’t deny the success Shake Shack has had with chicken sandwiches,” said Vener, referring to the chain’s popular Chick’n Shack.
Chicken is on fire as a category, according to Nation’s Restaurant News’ Top 100 report. Of the top 10 fastest-growing restaurant chains this year, four were chicken concepts. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers was the fastest growing chain, followed by Wingstop, Chick-fil-A and Zaxby’s within the top 10.
The chicken sandwich comes as Dog Haus prepares for national growth. With restaurants in California, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, Dog Haus plans to add another 20 locations before the end of 2017, and 75 more units in 2018, Vener said.
Last year, the Pasadena, Calif.-based chain announced a franchise development agreement with American Development Partners that injected more than $500 million to fuel growth. The deal is expected to bring Dog Haus’ unit count beyond 450 restaurants over seven years.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected]
Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout
