Smokin’ Oak Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom is a fast-casual dining franchise specializing in authentic, artisan wood-fired pizzas. The concept originated in 2009 with the opening of its flagship restaurant, Pi Wood-Fired Pizza, in Rochester, Minnesota.

Building upon its initial success, the company adopted the trade name Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza in 2016 and began franchising across the United States. The corporate headquarters is located in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

The franchise offers a diverse menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, starters, and desserts. A distinctive feature of Smokin’ Oak is its self-pour taproom, where guests can choose from a variety of beers, wines, and mixed cocktails, enhancing the dining experience. This combination of high-quality food and an interactive beverage service sets Smokin’ Oak apart from competitors.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a Smokin’ Oak franchise? It costs on average between $373,000 – $892,000 to start a Smokin’ Oak franchised restaurant.

This includes costs for construction, kitchen equipment, wood-fired ovens, self-pour taproom setup, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact investment amount varies based on factors such as the size of the Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom location, its geographic market, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property.

Type of ExpenditureAmount
Initial Franchise Fee$49,500 – $49,500
Rent and Security Deposit$0 – $16,000
Leasehold Improvements$90,000 – $450,000
Architect’s and Engineer’s Fees$7,000 – $15,000
Furniture & Fixtures$24,000 – $57,000
Equipment$120,000 – $140,000
Self-Pour Tap System$26,870 – $60,813
POS System$3,000 – $5,000
Signage$4,000 – $11,000
Utility Deposits$500 – $1,000
Office and Store Supplies$50 – $500
Opening Inventory$3,000 – $4,000
Insurance$2,500 – $3,500
Liquor License$0 – $5,000
Licenses and Permits$1,000 – $3,000
Professional Fees$3,000 – $6,000
Travel, Lodging, Meals for Training$0 – $2,000
Grand Opening Marketing Campaign$8,000 – $13,000
Additional Funds (3 months)$30,000 – $50,000
TOTAL$372,620 – $892,313

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a Smokin’ Oak franchise? A Smokin’ Oak franchised restaurant makes on average $899,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:

Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza fdd item 19 extract

This compares to $970,000 yearly revenue for similar pizza franchises. Below are a few Smokin’ Oak competitors as a comparison:

Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom franchise competitors

Franchise Disclosure Document

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Smokin’ Oak locations are there?

As of the latest data, Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom operates a total of seven locations across the United States. All seven units are franchised, with no company-owned locations. The brand continues to expand, with several new franchise locations in development.

What is the total investment required to open a Smokin’ Oak franchise?

The total investment required to open a Smokin’ Oak franchise ranges from $373,000 to $892,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Smokin’ Oak franchise?

Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom franchisees pay a 6% royalty fee on gross sales and a 2% marketing fee on gross sales to support brand operations and advertising efforts.

What are the financial requirements to become a Smokin’ Oak franchisee?

To qualify as a Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom franchisee, candidates should have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and at least $150,000 in liquid capital. These financial prerequisites ensure that franchisees possess the necessary resources to establish and operate a successful franchise location

How much can a Smokin’ Oak franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a Smokin’ Oak franchise are approximately $0.90 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.90 million yearly revenue can result in $135,000 EBITDA annually.

Who owns Smokin’ Oak?

Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom is owned by Fourth Avenue Restaurant Group, LLC, led by CEO Matt Mongoven. The franchise concept was developed by lifelong friends Matt Mongoven and Linda Black, who opened the flagship restaurant in 2009.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

0