Founder and CEO Todd Chusid launched Johnnie's Dog House in March 2004. A former management and technology consultant for clients such as Walmart and Dell, Chusid traveled heavily for his job and ate hot dogs in the cities he visited.

Inspired by the different hot dogs he tried, Chusid created a concept that revolves around a fictitious little boy named Johnnie who travels the world to find the best wiener.

Johnnie's offers three types of hot dogs: beef, turkey and vegetarian.

The fictional boy wants to share his experiences and creates Johnnie's Dog House.

Johnnie's hot dogs, $2.50 to $3.50 each, reflect different parts of the country. The best seller is the Texas Tommy, a Pennsylvania specialty that features a hot dog wrapped in bacon, deep-fried and topped with cheese. Other popular items include the Southern Comfort Dog with chili and coleslaw; and Chicago Style Dog with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, pickle and celery salt.

To build awareness and drive revenue for franchisees, John-nie's has developed multiple formats. A fast-casual unit, which ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet, costs about $275,000 to $325,000. The company also offers express for-mats for food courts, as well as a kiosk and mobile van; invest-ment costs range from $40,000 to $100,000.

Johnnie's Dog House features a 1940s look with red leather chairs, chrome accents, and an orange and red color scheme.

Smaller formats expose the brand to new customers. They can operate in nontraditional venues like airports and home improvement centers as well as cater special events.

Since Johnnie's launched its franchising program late in 2007, the company has signed agreements for 25 units. Franchisees opened four units in Washington, Colorado and Delaware in 2008. In 2009, they will open at least 12 in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, California, Florida and Texas.

The chain contends it could be in 1,000 locations in five years.