Hot Dog Chain Appoints Former Starbucks Exec

Doug Koob, formerly of Starbucks, First Watch and Asian Box, has joined the executive team at hot dog concept Wienerschnitzel.

As chief development officer, Koob will oversee Wienerschnitzel’s sales and business development teams for domestic and international growth, real estate, and restaurant design and construction.

Prior to Wienerschnitzel, Koob spent over two decades with Starbucks, leading business development teams in the U.S. and Europe. He then served as a VP of concept development for First Watch, and later the chief experience officer and VP of operations for Asian Box. Most recently, he founded Circle Alliances, a contracting and consulting company that has served brands like MOD Pizza, Chipotle and Stumptown Coffee.

“I’m so thrilled to have the opportunity to take what I’ve learned over my career— from being a 16-year-old team member at McDonald’s to now, and truly usher in an era of widespread growth for a brand where the potential is sky-high,” Koob says.

At Wienerschnitzel, his initial goals, according to a release, include refining the franchise development process. Additionally, with an expertise in international development, Koob has identified growth opportunities in key markets across the world.

Currently, there are nearly 350 franchised Wienerschnitzel locations in operation throughout 10 states, more than 50 units in various stages of development across the U.S. as well as expansion plans underway internationally.

J.R. Galardi, CEO of Irvine, Calif.-based Galardi Group (parent company of Wienerschnitzel) says the brand is poised to elevate its growth “to the next level, both in key U.S. markets and internationally.”