Is a Dog Haus franchisee required to use the architect recommended by Dog Haus?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
écor, trade dress and signs. You are responsible for the costs of preparing architectural, engineering and construction drawings and site and space layout and exterior signage plans. If you are a Fast Casual or Biergarten franchisee, you must use a licensed architect approved by us to prepare plans for your Franchised Restaurant and a project manager to oversee construction, remodeling or other leasehold improvements. We recommend that you use our architect, however, if you choose to use a different architect, he or she must be licensed and approved by us and you must pay a $1,500 plan review fee directly to our architect. Your project manager must be approved by
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, MARKETING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 38–53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if you are opening a Fast Casual or Biergarten franchise, you must use a licensed architect approved by Dog Haus to prepare plans for your restaurant. While Dog Haus recommends using their architect, you are not required to do so.
However, if you choose an architect different from the one Dog Haus recommends, that architect must be licensed and approved by Dog Haus. Additionally, you will be required to pay a $1,500 plan review fee directly to Dog Haus's architect. You must also use a project manager approved by Dog Haus or a project manager that Dog Haus recommends.
This policy allows Dog Haus to maintain brand consistency and ensure that all locations meet their standards, while still providing some flexibility for franchisees. The $1,500 plan review fee covers the cost for Dog Haus's architect to review and approve the plans from an outside architect, ensuring they meet the brand's requirements. Franchisees should factor in this fee and the potential time needed for plan review when deciding whether to use Dog Haus's recommended architect or an alternative.