Franchising
Photo: Dog Haus
August 28, 2025
California-based Dog Haus is expanding to the Nashville area with a three-store deal.
Restaurant industry veteran Michael Deak will open the locations in East Nashville, Franklin and Smyrna. The first, in East Nashville, is expected to open in the fall of 2025, with the Franklin location following later that year. The Smyrna restaurant is slated to open in early 2026.
Deak, who previously worked as a general manager for a Dog Haus location, has been a franchisee since 2022, with a portfolio that includes Jet’s Pizza and Tropical Smoothie Cafe units in Tennessee.
“The quality ingredients and innovative menu were the biggest draws to becoming a Dog Haus franchisee,” Deak said in a news release. “With family in California, I’ve experienced Dog Haus many times over the years. Bringing the concept to Nashville feels like the perfect next step.”
Each restaurant will feature 24 taps of Tennessee craft beer, over 20 TVs for sports, an outdoor fire pit, shuffleboard and beer pong.
“We’re excited to bring Dog Haus to Nashville, and there’s truly no better partner than Mike and his team,” Erik Hartung, Dog Haus executive vice president, said in the release. “Mike embodies the spirit of a self-made entrepreneur — rising through the restaurant industry and ultimately achieving ownership. His story reflects the very essence of Nashville: hardworking, dynamic, and rapidly growing.”
Founded in 2010, Dog Haus has earned a following for its signature burgers, hot dogs and sausages served on grilled King’s Hawaiian rolls. The brand, which also offers a variety of plant-based options, has over 50 locations.
