Does the Dog Haus franchise agreement cover the operation of restaurants?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
THIS FRANCHISE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as of the "Effective Date" set forth on Exhibit A by and between DOG HAUS WORLDWIDE, LLC, a California limited liability company ("Franchisor"), on the one hand, and the individuals or Entity identified as "Franchisee" on Exhibit A, on the other hand, who are individually referred to in this Agreement as a "Party", and collectively referred to in this Agreement as "Parties", with reference to the following facts:
- A. Franchisor, its predecessor and Affiliate have developed the "Dog Haus System" for the establishment and operation of restaurants ("Dog Haus Restaurants") that offer freshly prepared, cooked to order, high quality proprietary gourmet hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers, chicken and plant-based food products accompanied by Franchisor's proprietary sauces and a variety of other related food products, side dishes and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages for both on-premises and off-premises consumption under the trade name and service mark "Dog Haus" and other related trademarks, service marks, logos and commercial symbols, and the trade dress used to identify Dog Haus Restaurants, including the unique and distinctive interior and exterior building designs, color schemes, furniture, fixtures and accessories present in Dog Haus Restaurants (collectively, the "Dog Haus Marks").
- B. Franchisee desires to obtain a license and franchise to develop, own and operate one "Dog Haus Biergarten" or "Dog Haus Fast Casual Restaurant" (the "Franchised Restaurant"), under the Dog Haus Marks in strict accordance with the Dog Haus System and the standards established by Franchisor, and Franchisor is willing to grant Franchisee a license and franchise under the terms and conditions in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES AGREE:
1. DEFINITIONS.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 87)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement pertains to the establishment and operation of restaurants. The agreement licenses franchisees to operate either a "Dog Haus Biergarten" or a "Dog Haus Fast Casual Restaurant" under the Dog Haus marks, adhering strictly to the Dog Haus System and standards set by the franchisor.
The Dog Haus System, as defined in the FDD, encompasses the operating methods and business practices related to Dog Haus Restaurants. This includes restaurant design, trade dress, equipment specifications, product offerings, recipes, pricing, operating procedures, training programs, and marketing strategies. Franchisees are obligated to operate their Dog Haus Restaurant in compliance with the terms of the franchise agreement and the manuals provided by Dog Haus.
The agreement emphasizes that franchisees have day-to-day control over their restaurant's operations, including employees. However, franchisees must adhere to Dog Haus's standards and specifications, which may be modified over time. Dog Haus also retains the right to inspect the franchised restaurant to ensure compliance with the agreement and the Dog Haus System.
Dog Haus reserves rights to develop, own, and operate Dog Haus Restaurants, and grant licenses to others, at any location outside the franchisee's protected area. They also reserve the right to sell Dog Haus branded products through various channels, including the internet. These stipulations highlight that while the franchise agreement covers restaurant operations, Dog Haus retains significant control over the brand and its expansion.