Smokin’ Oak: Redefining Wood-Fired Pizza and Taproom Experiences

Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom is a dynamic fast-casual franchise known for its authentic, artisan wood-fired pizzas. The brand’s story began in 2009 with the launch of its original location, Pi Wood-Fired Pizza, in Rochester, Minnesota.

After gaining early success, the brand rebranded as Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza in 2016 and expanded its footprint through franchising across the United States. Today, the company operates from its corporate headquarters in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Smokin’ Oak’s menu spans handcrafted wood-fired pizzas, crisp salads, tempting starters, and indulgent desserts. What truly sets the franchise apart is its innovative self-pour taproom, allowing guests to explore a rotating selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. This unique blend of premium dining and interactive beverage service gives Smokin’ Oak a competitive edge in the market.

Training

Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza provides several structured training programs to ensure franchisees are well-prepared to operate their businesses.

1. Initial Training Program
   Franchisees and at least one additional designated employee must attend a ten-day initial training covering classroom and hands-on experience. This program includes topics like sanitation, menu preparation, customer service, financial control, inventory management, marketing, and the use of required software and hardware. It is held either at the franchisee’s location or another site designated by the franchisor.
2. Additional On-Location Training
   Before opening, Smokin' Oak provides on-location support to help with kitchen operations, food preparation, staff training, inventory checks, and final grand opening plans. This ensures the franchisee’s team is ready to deliver the brand’s standards and prepares them to launch smoothly.
3. Refresher and Ongoing Training
   The franchisor may offer or require attendance at additional or refresher courses, typically up to five days per year, to maintain quality standards and update teams on system changes. Franchisees are responsible for all related costs, and this training can include annual conferences to exchange ideas, learn about new developments, and recognize achievements.

Territory Protection

Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza provides its franchisees with a protected territory, meaning the franchisor agrees not to establish or license another franchise under its brand within that area as long as the franchisee complies with the agreement. The typical protected territory is based on a population of about 50,000, and the franchisee’s rights are not contingent on sales quotas or opening additional locations.

However, the franchisor reserves the right to distribute products or services through alternative channels, like grocery or convenience stores, even within the protected territory.

Although Smokin' Oak offers this form of territory protection, it is not an exclusive arrangement, as the franchisor can still operate at non-traditional sites within the territory or under different brand marks. Franchisees are restricted from soliciting or advertising outside their territory without prior consent, and their territorial boundaries remain fixed throughout the initial agreement term.