Entrepreneurial brothers Manolis and George Alpogianis founded America’s Dog & Burger (AD&B) after embarking on a cross-country road trip across the United States. This iconic journey inspired them to create a restaurant that brings together the best hot dog and burger flavors from across the nation in one vibrant setting. AD&B sets itself apart in the competitive dog and burger market by offering guests a diverse menu of fresh, gourmet burgers, city-themed hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, Italian beef, salads, and more. With almost 30 years of success, this family-run business is now strategically expanding, offering franchise opportunities to passionate individuals and teams drawn to its unique niche.
Tell us about your beginnings.
America’s Dog & Burger was born out of a road trip that my brother George and I took after I graduated from college. I bought a Jeep, and since road trips were a big part of our childhood, with our parents sharing a love for the Great American Road Trip, we decided to continue that tradition.
In the summer of 1993, before entering the “real world,” I asked my brother, a chef, to join me on an adventure across the United States. We packed up with just a few hundred dollars and set off. With a tight budget, we focused on finding affordable but high-quality food, avoiding chains like Olive Garden and Ruby Tuesday in favor of local spots.
Coming from a family that’s been in the restaurant business for three generations in Chicago, we knew good food. We sought out small diners and, more often than not, hot dog shops in town squares or main areas. In Chicago, hot dogs are iconic, just like the triangular slice is in New York. Whenever we ordered a hot dog, we’d ask for “everything,” and my brother noticed that “everything” varied by city. He started jotting down these variations on napkins.
Two years later, Chicago was gearing up to open Navy Pier, which was set to become the largest tourist attraction in the Midwest. We pitched an idea inspired by our road trip: featuring different city dogs based on what we had experienced. That’s how America’s Dog was born.
In our first year of business in 1995, we generated between $600,000 and $700,000 in sales. As time went on, about 20 years later, we updated our brand to America’s Dog & Burger, expanding our focus to include burgers, which we approached with the same passion as hot dogs, keeping up with food trends.
We started out as the new kids on the block, but now, almost 30 years later, we’ve become veterans in the industry. Just two years ago, I was honored to be inducted into the Hot Dog Hall of Fame, and that milestone really solidified our status.
Recognizing how well-established we’d become, we decided to expand further. We opened our third location at Midway Airport, then franchised the brand, launching three stores in the Detroit metro area. We also have a couple of LOIs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, marking the next steps in our growth.
What’s the latest on growth and what are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, we’re committed to slow and steady growth. Our focus is on finding the right partners – hands-on operators who are interested in running three to seven locations. We’re excited about the level of interest we’re receiving.
Texas is a particularly promising market for us, and I see significant expansion opportunities there. We’re also getting strong feedback from Florida, where we’re currently bidding on a spot at the Orlando airport. As a result, we’re concentrating our growth efforts primarily in warmer states.
In Chicago, there’s still room for expansion. I’m currently scouting two more locations, aiming to bring our total to five within the next 12 months. I’m confident we’ll find the perfect spots to continue our growth here.
What makes the ideal franchisee for AD&B?
The ideal franchisee falls into a couple of categories. First, there’s the person who has spent years working in the restaurant industry and is now ready to open their own restaurant. With today’s market offering plenty of SBA financing options and our proven, successful concept, this is an excellent opportunity. Typically, this person might be in their mid-30s to mid-40s, ready to start their first store, and then expand to a second, third, and eventually five stores, depending on where they are in life.
The second ideal candidate is someone with experience in franchises, like a former Jimmy John’s or Raising Cane’s owner. They might have sold their previous businesses and are looking to get in early on a new franchise system to grow it to 20 stores or are interested in diversifying their portfolio.
In both cases, these individuals understand the value of hard work, staying focused, and being very hands-on. They are what I call “builders” – people who know what it takes to grow and succeed in the restaurant industry. These hands-on builders, whether they are SBA candidates or seasoned franchisees looking to expand or switch brands, are the kind of partners we’re looking for.
The reason I started franchising is rooted in my confidence that we have the tools and the support system to help franchisees succeed. Let me share an example: our current franchisee was so impressed with the support we provided during the opening process and the ongoing tools we offer that she went on record saying how much she values being part of our group. She emphasized that we really know what we’re doing, and the support just keeps coming.
One of the main reasons I got into franchising was my desire to help others believe in the American dream. In today’s world, people are often searching for ways to get ahead, and it can be tough. From what I’ve seen, success comes down to two key things: hard work and a bit of luck. When someone wants to advance themselves and their family, I’m committed to providing them with all the tools they need to succeed.
We’re looking for people who believe in hard work and achieving the American dream. I want to offer others the same opportunities that have fulfilled me in my life and career, owning and operating multiple restaurants. That’s what drives me, and I hope to pass that on to others.
So, for those who are determined to improve their lives and believe in the power of hard work and the American dream, I’m here to help make that a reality. It’s truly rewarding to hear feedback like that, and I’m glad you brought it up. Devin Rand from the Midway store also mentioned how impressed she was with the support and care we provided to get them up and running. Hearing that kind of feedback consistently is what stands out to me and motivates me to keep doing what we’re doing.
I believe that when you give people the opportunity to prove themselves and grow, they often surpass expectations – even their own. My goal is to provide a platform where they can achieve their dreams and even go beyond what they thought was possible.
Tell us about AD&B’s franchise opportunity.
America’s Dog & Burger (AD&B) offers franchise opportunities with flexible design options, including kiosks, walk-in stores, food courts, and drive-thrus. The prototypical space is 1,800 to 2,500 square feet, ideally in high-visibility locations with good access. The franchise fee is $30,000 for the first location, with a reduced fee for additional locations. Multi-unit operators are sought, with development agreements typically covering 3-10 locations. Financial requirements include $175K in liquid assets and a $350K net worth.
For more details, visit ADBfranchise.com, or call Kat Davidson at Kat@adbfranchise.com, 678-485-8413.
