The Dog Haus: More Than Just a Hotdog

Last month, Dog Haus, the celebrated Pasadena-based concept known for its gourmet hot dogs, sausages, burgers, and one-of-a-kind creations, opened its first franchise location in Canoga Park. Located at 6501 Topanga Canyon, the restaurant from franchisee Paul Homayoun is the 4th location of the emerging brand, which has plans for more than 50 additional locations to open throughout California, Colorado and Utah in the months to come, with more in the pipeline as the concept continues to grow beyond its SoCal home.

"There is so much passion and creativity behind Dog Haus, and I'm thrilled for the opportunity to work with Founding Partners André Vener, Hagop Giragossian and Quasim Riaz to bring this winning concept to the Canoga Park community," said Homayoun.

As part of their introduction to the community, guests enjoyed a free Haus Dog from a selection of Dog Haus' classic all-beef skinless dog offerings, all served up on grilled King's Hawaiian rolls. Options included the cult favorite Sooo Cali Haus Dog with arugula, tomato, crispy onions, spicy basil aioli and avocado; the Downtown Haus Dog featuring a smoked bacon wrapped dog topped with caramelized onions, sautéed bell peppers, mayo, mustard, and ketchup; and The Cowboy Haus Dog with white American cheese, smoked bacon, bbq sauce, and crispy onions.

        

We were not able to attend the opening, but Dog Haus was nice enough to invite me and my kids to sample their menu a few weeks later.  We were not disappointed.  We ordered The Pig and the Fig which was an emmentaler cheese-stuffed sausage, fig & onion relish, wild arugula, whole grain mustard aioli, topped with diced almonds; a Scott Baioli which was a hotdog with smoked bacon, white American cheese, garlic aioli and caramelized onions; a Little Leaguer (hotdog with haus chili, fritos, shredded cheddar and diced onions; and The Ringer- a burger (yes, they serve burgers too!) topped with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, onion rings and bbq sauce.  While waiting for our food, the kids enjoyed a salted caramel shake.  I don't like milkshakes, but this particular one is a MUST HAVE.  I tried a little bit of everything but I must say, my favorite was The Pig and the Fig.  Individually, the components don't seem to go together on a sausage but the flavors blend together surprisingly well. Did I mention all of the hotdogs, sausages and burgers are served on grilled King's Hawaiian rolls?  Everything was delicious! Needless to say, we have been back several times since.  I think my family is on a quest to try every single item on the Dog Haus menu.

                                           

To pair with their dogs, diners can order fare from Dog Haus' full menu, which is rounded out with gourmet sausages, burgers, corndogs, shakes, and sides (the chili cheese tater tots are a meal in itself!) -- each prepared with the highest quality ingredients. Ambitious diners can also opt to build their own dog, sausage or burger with the wide array of accoutrements available.  Lighter appetites and kids can indulge in slider-sized portions.

 

Soon, diners will be able to select from a thoughtful list of beers and wines on tap to complement the delicious fare.  

“It's incredible to see how the idea for Dog Haus has transformed since we opened our first restaurant in Pasadena in 2010,” adds Dog Haus Partner Quasim Riaz. "We are proud to bring Dog Haus home to Canoga Park and look forward to becoming part of this community."

The new restaurant, located at 6501 Topanga Canyon, Canoga Park, CA, 91303, is open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 am - 10 pm. For more information call 818-340-HAUS or visit www.doghaus.com.

 

**Dog Haus provided the food for me and my family to sample.  All opinions are solely my own.