Dog Haus Signs 25-Unit Franchise Deal with Boxer Jake Paul

Dog Haus, an emerging hot dog franchise, has signed a 25-unit franchise deal with the YouTube star and boxer and will also promote his upcoming fight with Mike Tyson.

By Luca Piacentini1851 Franchise Managing Editor

12:12PM • 10/23/24

Dog Haus has signed a 25-unit franchise deal with YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul, who will also join the brand’s board of directors. The controversial YouTuber will help with “marketing leadership, in-store experience, culinary innovation, franchise ownership and the overall strategic vision of the brand,” Restaurant Dive recently reported.

The collaboration comes as Dog Haus seeks to reverse declining or flat same-store sales since 2021. Additionally, Dog Haus plans to integrate fight night events and menu collaborations as part of their partnership.

Paul's commitment is significant, as he stands to own a large share of the brand, which had 58 units at the end of 2023. His liquidity, bolstered by his boxing career — USA Today reported that Paul said he will earn $40 million from an upcoming match with Mike Tyson — is expected to help fund Dog Haus’ expansion. Dog Haus is working with Paul to promote the match, which is scheduled for Nov. 15.

“I’ve been a fan of Dog Haus for years and I’m fired up to push the limits and help take this amazing brand to a whole new level,” Paul said in a press release. “I’m jumping in their corner and excited to introduce their food and experience to everyone across the country.”

The Dog Haus brand has two concepts: a fast-casual model and a biergarten model. While the fast-casual units have seen modest growth, the biergarten units have struggled, with average unit volumes dropping from $1.8 million in 2021 to $1.66 million in 2023.

Celebrities have been in and out of franchising for years — some as owners, others as affiliates. Pitbull, or Armando Christian Perez, partnered with FranSmart to support Latino-owned franchises. Rick Ross has become the Lemon Pepper Boss thanks to his long-term relationship with Wingstop. And “hottie” Megan Thee Stallion partnered with Popeyes on a spicy chicken sandwich and sauce as she signed her five-unit franchise agreement with the brand.