Smokin' Oak Pizza Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$448,745 - $891,205
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Total US Locations
7
Business Summary
Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza franchises the right to operate restaurants under the names "Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza" and "Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom." These restaurants primarily offer wood-fired pizza and other menu items baked in a wood-fired oven, along with various beverages for dine-in or takeout. Taproom locations also feature a self-pour taproom system. Each location operates using proprietary marks and a business operations system developed by Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza.
Corporate History
Fourth Avenue Restaurant Group, LLC, doing business as Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza, was formed in Florida on November 19, 2015. The company licenses its business system from an affiliate, Henry Wellington of Bloomington, Inc., which was incorporated in 2009. Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza grants franchises for its wood-fired pizza and taproom restaurant concepts.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$448,745 - $891,205
Franchise Fee (Low)
$15,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$49,500
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$177,870
Equipment Costs (High)
$273,813
Working Capital
$40,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Fourth Avenue Restaurant Group, LLC has been profitable for the fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024, showing net incomes of $51,817, $21,856, and $93,092 respectively. Despite this, the company has a substantial accumulated members' deficit, although it has reduced from $(441,444) in 2022 to $(326,496) in 2024. The company also operates with negative working capital, meaning its current liabilities exceed its current assets. The independent auditor provided an unqualified opinion on the financial statements, indicating they are presented fairly.
Financing Details
Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations of the franchisee.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
7
Franchised Units
7
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
2,500
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza has no litigation history that is required to be disclosed in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza franchisees can renew their agreement for two additional five-year periods if they provide written notice 90 days before the current term expires. They must ensure they have the right to occupy the approved location for the renewal term or secure an acceptable substitute. Franchisees are required to complete all necessary maintenance, refurbishing, and remodeling of the business premises to comply with current brand standards within 90 days before expiration. They must not be in breach of any agreements with Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza or its affiliates/suppliers and must have satisfied all monetary obligations. Additionally, franchisees must sign Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza's then-current franchise agreement, which may have different terms, complete any required renewal training, sign a general release, and pay a renewal fee equal to 10% of the then-current initial franchise fee.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza provides comprehensive assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, the franchisor loans copies of its operations manual, conducts initial training (including webinars and on-site support at the franchisee's location), designates approved suppliers for inventory and supplies, and helps with site selection and lease negotiation. After opening, franchisees receive ongoing consultation and advice via phone, fax, and intranet. On-site assistance is available for a fee. The franchisor may also offer additional training programs and hold an annual conference, which franchisees may be required to attend for a fee. Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza specifies required computer and POS systems, and franchisees are required to participate in any system-wide computer network, intranet, or extranet systems for reports, manuals, and communication.
Initial Training Hours
93
Training Location
Initial training includes both webinar instruction and on-site training at the franchisee's location.
Ongoing Support
After opening, Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza franchisees receive continuing consultation and advice regarding business management and operation, provided via telephone, facsimile, and intranet. On-site assistance is available upon request for a fee. The franchisor may also offer additional and refresher training programs, which may be mandatory, and require a tuition fee. Franchisees are expected to attend an annual conference, which may include a registration fee. Additionally, franchisees are required to participate in any system-wide computer network, intranet, or extranet systems for submitting reports, accessing updated manuals and advertising materials, communicating with the franchisor and other franchisees, and completing training.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza seeks qualified parties, including individuals or business entities, to open and operate restaurants. Ideal candidates or their designated General Managers must be able to personally supervise the day-to-day operations of the Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza business, dedicating full-time attention and best efforts to its management. If a General Manager is appointed, they must be approved by the franchisor and successfully complete the initial training program before taking on managerial responsibilities. Franchisees must also maintain high educational, managerial, and business standards, possess good moral character, business reputation, and credit rating, and have the aptitude and ability to operate the business successfully. They should also demonstrate adequate financial resources and capital to meet the performance obligations of the franchise agreement. Candidates should not be involved in a similar competing business, unless they are an existing franchisee of Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
supervisory
Territory Type
protected
Territory Size Requirements
Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza defines the size and boundaries of its protected territories based on factors like geographic area, population density, character of the neighborhood, and the number of competing businesses. While there is no set minimum territory size, a typical territory aims to cover an area with a population of approximately 50,000 people. It's noted that the exact size will vary based on applicable factors and demographics.
Staffing Notes
Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza requires that the franchisee, or at least one of their principals if the franchisee is an entity, personally supervise the day-to-day operations of the business, dedicating their full-time attention and best efforts. With the franchisor's approval, the daily operation can be delegated to a General Manager. This General Manager must be approved in writing by the franchisor and successfully complete the initial training program before assuming any managerial responsibilities. The Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza location must always have at least one individual on staff who has successfully completed the initial training program. General Managers are expected to devote full-time and best efforts to managing the business and cannot engage in other business activities without the franchisor's prior written consent. If a General Manager resigns or is terminated, the franchisee must hire an approved replacement who meets the franchisor's standards and completes required training within 30 days. The Operations Manual outlines specific staffing roles including General Manager, Assistant Manager, Oven Operator, Prep Cook, Pizza Topper, Expo, and Cashier, along with their respective training requirements. All employees must adhere to the franchisor's dress code, appearance, and service standards, and follow the guidelines in the Operations Manual for customer service and operational efficiency.