Along with its new ownership, Dog Haus Biergarten also has a new general manager. 

Dog Haus has gotten some bad press over the last year with the previous franchise owner closing on short notice and leaving employees in  a lurch.

But Dog Haus corporate stepped in and reopened the store. In the process, they repaid all the back wages and intitially rehired most of the orginal employees. 

Now Murfreesboro is one of two corporate-owned stores in the chain.

Related: Dog Haus celebrates grand reopening with charity event
Related: Dog Haus Biergarten sets opening date

After hearing about the corporate support, new GM Roger Giltner moved to the restaurant because he believed in the mission. 

He recently spoke with Voice editor Michelle Willard about his new job and why the restaurant deserves a second chance.

Michelle: Tell me about yourself. What do you do at Dog Haus?

Roger: My Name is Roger Giltner, and I'm the General Manager at Dog Haus Biergarten Murfreesboro, now under corporate ownership. I recently joined the team and look forward to overseeing the staff here and to welcoming guests in each day. I make sure our day-to-day operations run smoothly and that everyone who walks through our doors has an awesome experience, whether they're grabbing a bite, a beer or a cocktail.

Michelle: What led you to this job? How did you come to Murfreesboro?

Roger: I'm from Metropolis, Illinois, and I have always enjoyed working closely with a team and in providing the best possible guest experience. Previously, I was a manager at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse, and I've worked in food for as long as I can remember.

When I heard about Dog Haus' corporate team jumping in to reopen the Biergarten in Murfreesboro and pay its employees the wages owed by the former franchisee, I knew this was something I wanted to get in on the ground floor of.

Dog Haus is really taking things to the next level by defining the standard for hot dogs, sausages and burgers, and I see this as a great opportunity to be a part of its rapidly growing brand.

Michelle: Tell me about Dog Haus.

Roger: Dog Haus truly is an experience that resonates in the hearts of our guests and team members. Its fresh, high-quality ingredients, paired with its fun, laid-back atmosphere, creates a unique place for food lovers of all ages to come together.

The menu is filled with chef-inspired combinations and delivers hand-crafted hot dogs, sausages, burgers and one Bad Mutha Clucka – all served on King's Hawaiian rolls. Dog Haus also offers a selection of American and local craft beers as well as signature cocktails and premium shakes.

Dog Haus is continuously innovating and updating its menus, dishing out limited-time offers, great happy hour specials and other promotions on a regular basis.

Right now, we are inviting guests to join us for $5 Loaded Tot Tuesdays and $5 pints on Wednesdays. Fans can stay connected and in-the-know about upcoming offers and specials by either joining our mailing list, signing up to receive text message notifications or by downloading our app.

Michelle: Tell me about the staff at Dog Haus.

Roger: Every member of the Dog Haus team strives to create a guest experience that goes above and beyond food. Working with such a friendly staff is what makes each day great. We all believe every interaction is important, and we aim to bring smiles to our guests' faces while exciting their taste buds.

Michelle: What are you most excited or passionate about at your job?

Roger: There really is no place quite like Dog Haus. Its best-in-class food and energetic environment inspires me to create memorable experiences for both guests and staff. No two days are alike, which make the job exciting and keeps me always on my toes!

Michelle: Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you're committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.

Roger: The district manager at Villa Pizza is one of my biggest mentors and someone I learned a lot from. He always did what was right, no matter the situation, and was fair to all of his managers. I've taken his lessons in leadership and have applied them in my own style to support my team and the company by maintaining a high standard for excellence and appreciation.  
 
Michelle: Did you overcome any obstacles to get where you are today? Tell me about them.

Roger: While developing my general manager skills over the years, I've had to work long hours, causing me to sacrifice time with my family and friends. Joining Dog Haus was refreshing because they're all about work/life balance, providing me an opportunity to spend more time with the ones I love.
 
Michelle: What would you like the community to know about Dog Haus? What kind of community outreach do you do?  

Roger: Dog Haus believes people matter and nothing is more important than supporting local communities.

With this in mind, we aim to make a big impact in Murfreesboro by inviting any school, sports team or nonprofit organization to reach out and learn more about our fundraising and sponsorship opportunities, auction donations and our Dine Out program. Our Dine Out program is where members of an organization can come together to eat, have fun and raise money for their cause.

Dog Haus also has a national partnership with No Kid Hungry, helping them strive to end childhood hunger in America.