Sumo Dog Expands With New Locations While Keeping Its Roots in the Coachella Valley

What began as a one-time food pop-up at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has grown into one of the region's most successful restaurant brands.

Sumo Dog, known for combining Japanese flavors with the classic American hot dog, is expanding once again with a second location at Acrisure Arena and a new drive-thru restaurant in Palm Desert.

Founder Jeffrey Lunak launched the concept in 2016 as a temporary food stand at the Coachella Music Festival. The popularity of the unique menu quickly turned the idea into a full-time business.

Lunak brings decades of culinary experience to the company, including years spent working alongside renowned Japanese chef and television personality Masaharu Morimoto. That background helped shape Sumo Dog's distinctive menu, which features ingredients such as spicy mayonnaise, teriyaki flavors, house-made relishes and pickled toppings.

While the food has helped attract customers, Lunak credits much of the company's success to its employees. He says Sumo Dog has focused on creating opportunities for staff members through competitive pay, loyalty and travel opportunities, helping the company maintain a strong and stable workforce.

Today, Sumo Dog has expanded far beyond its Indio roots, operating nine locations across California, Colorado and Washington. Despite its continued growth throughout the western United States, Lunak says the company remains committed to the Coachella Valley.

He says the corporate offices will continue to be based locally and that the region will always serve as the foundation of the brand's success.

As Sumo Dog continues to grow, its latest expansion marks another milestone for a business that started as a single festival pop-up and has evolved into a multi-state restaurant operation.