Dat Dog on franchising roll

Since launching its franchising program in January, Dat Dog has signed deals to open three restaurants in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and 25 units in Houston, Texas, a news release said. Under the name of Prime Dog, David Halpern and Teva Sempel will open the initial Baton Rouge restaurant by early 2018. They also have their eyes set on potential future expansion into South Carolina and Texas.

"I remember standing in line outside Dat Dog’s shack roughly six years ago waiting for a delicious hot dog. I still eat there every other week," Prime Dog LLC Member/Manager Teva Sempel, said in a news release. "We are honored and excited to be a part of the growth of this exciting brand. And we can’t think of a better city to expand to than Baton Rouge, where people love great food and a good party."

Houston's B&G Food Enterprises will open 25 units with the first opening in 2018, as the first Dat Dog in Texas. Led by restauranteur Greg Hamer Sr., B&G Foods operates more than 100 Yum brand locations across Texas and Louisiana.

Dat Dog, founded by New Orleans native Constantine Georges, uses recipes developed by its executive chef, Alex Ventura, as well as crafting cocktails developed by Beverage Director Alexa Ballard. Dat Dog features more than 30 toppings, including unconventional options like blackberry sauce, guacamole and crawfish etouffee. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan sausage options, in addition to the "Greenie Weenie" — a dog wrapped in lettuce instead of a toasted sourdough bun.