Pasadena-Created National Dog Haus Fast Food Chain Names Michael Montagano as New – and First – CEO

Dog Haus, the craft-casual hot dog concept that started in Pasadena 13 years ago, is getting a CEO for the first time. 

Dog Haus has announced that Michael Montagano, a food industry veteran who was CEO at Kitchen United, will be the company’s new CEO starting in September, according to a report by Restaurant News. 

Montagano is a food industry veteran and former CEO of Kitchen United, also of Pasadena. He has been serving on Dog Haus’ Board of Directors for the past three years and as a commercial partner since 2018. Founding partners and longtime friends Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and André Vener have been leading the company since its inception in 2010. 

As CEO, Montagano will report to the three partners, who will continue in their respective roles .

“We believe Dog Haus is positioned for exponential growth and, as such, we recognize the need to bolster our leadership team with a seasoned executive who can guide this brand, and our franchise partners, into the future – and Michael checks all the boxes,” Vener said in a statement. “Michael’s expertise in growing franchises, expanding virtual brands and delivery, and implementing new technologies and marketing strategies is exactly what we need as we capitalize on our momentum in the marketplace.”

Montagano has worked in a variety of strategic restaurant brands throughout his 20-year career, from national partners such as Chipotle, Chick-Fil-A, WingStop, Cinnabon and Jersey Mike’s to hyper-growth brands like Portillo’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Hawaiian Bros and the Halal Guys. 

At Kitchen United, he led the chain as it grew to more than 150 kitchens across the country, powering both major suburban and urban trade areas. He said he’s honored to join his friends at Dog Haus in the new role.  

“My friendship with André began more than five years ago at a school function for our children and has continued to grow ever since,” Montagano recalls. “Over time, I developed an equally close and productive business relationship with all three partners.”

Prior to his time leading various food-tech and restaurant companies through growth, Montagano practiced M&A and corporate finance law for one of the country’s largest law firms. He received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and his Juris Doctorate from Indiana University’s McKinney School of Law.

Montagano grew up in a restaurant family, anchored by an Italian restaurant and a neighborhood grocery store and butchery founded by his grandparents. He resides in Pasadena with his wife, Dr. Bethany Montagano, and son Joey.