What is the Dog Haus franchise's definition of a 'vanilla shell' that the landlord provides?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
These estimates presume that you will receive a "vanilla shell" from your landlord.
For purposes of these estimates, a "vanilla shell" includes leased premises with one restroom built to local code specifications in a location specified in the tenant improvement plans for your Dog Haus Restaurant; (2) sheet-rocked, taped and painted walls; (3) concrete floor, broom clean; (4) grease interceptor; (5) 200-40 amp low voltage electrical service distributed to local code specifications; (6) fluorescent 4' x 2' lighting fixtures with usually one fixture per 150-200 square feet; (7) HVAC system distributed at one ton per 175-200 square feet depending upon local climate conditions and use, generally with a gas heating system and an electrical air conditioning system; (8) fire sprinklers per local code specifications distributed throughout the premises designed for retail use; and (9) water, gas, cable and telephone service stubbed to the rear of the premises.
If you do not receive a "vanilla shell" from your landlord, your leasehold construction costs may substantially exceed these estimates.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 22–31)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment for a franchise location assumes that the franchisee will receive a 'vanilla shell' from the landlord. For the purposes of these estimates, Dog Haus defines a 'vanilla shell' as a leased premises that includes specific features.
The 'vanilla shell' should have one restroom built to local code specifications in a location specified in the tenant improvement plans for the Dog Haus Restaurant. It also includes sheet-rocked, taped, and painted walls, along with a concrete floor that is broom clean. The premises should have a grease interceptor and a 200-40 amp low voltage electrical service distributed to local code specifications.
Additionally, the 'vanilla shell' should include fluorescent 4' x 2' lighting fixtures, typically one fixture per 150-200 square feet, and an HVAC system distributed at one ton per 175-200 square feet, depending on local climate conditions and use, generally with a gas heating system and an electrical air conditioning system. Fire sprinklers per local code specifications distributed throughout the premises designed for retail use, and water, gas, cable, and telephone service stubbed to the rear of the premises are also required. If a franchisee does not receive a 'vanilla shell' from their landlord, the leasehold construction costs may substantially exceed the initial estimates.