The Complete Guide to Opening Your Own Taproom Franchise
Thinking about how to start your own taproom? Or comparing pour taproom franchise cost and concepts? A taproom franchise with a self‑pour wall may be your ideal entry into hospitality. Below, you'll discover step‑by‑step guidance to launch your taproom—and why the Smokin’ Oak Wood‑Fired Pizza & Taproom Franchise stands out as a top contender.
Understand the Market & Taproom Opportunity
Pizza + Craft Beer = Winning Combo
The U.S. pizza industry weighs in at around $46 billion, with the average American eating 23 pounds of pizza yearly. Some 93% consume pizza monthly, and 42% weekly.
Meanwhile, the craft beer trend keeps growing—self‑pour environments are attracting millennials and families, delivering “higher check averages and minimal labor costs”.
Taproom Franchise Growth Trends
2025 is witnessing rapid taproom franchise expansion, led by self-pour technology, a focus on health and customization, operational efficiency, and continued consumer demand for social, adaptable spaces. These trends position the taproom franchise model as a standout performer in the broader franchise and foodservice economy for the year.
Franchising overall is projected to grow 2.4%-2.5% in 2025, outpacing the general U.S. economy, with over 20,000 new franchise units and robust job creation within the sector. Food and beverage concepts, including taprooms, are key contributors to this expansion.
Taproom franchises, especially those leveraging self-pour technology, are rapidly expanding. This model reduces labor needs, increases efficiency, and offers consumers an interactive, customizable experience.
Statistics sources: franchise.org, restaurantbusinessonline.com
Costs to Start a Pour Taproom Franchise
Typical pour taproom franchise cost varies, but here’s what Smokin’ Oak Wood-fired Pizza & Taproom Franchise suggests:
Total Initial Investment: approx. $448,745 – $891,205
Time to Open: expect 7–12 months, from site selection to grand opening
This range includes property, construction, equipment (including tap‑wall tech), and working capital.
Brands without taproom walls may appear cheaper—but risk missing out on major revenue streams and guest appeal.
Why Smokin’ Oak Is a Top Taproom Franchise Choice
A Proven, Built‑for‑Beer Model
Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom began in 2009, launched franchising in 2017, and today is the “fastest growing wood‑fired pizza franchise in the US” with self-pour built in. The self‑pour taproom has achieved:
- Adding Smokin’ Oak Pizza tap wall boosts check totals and trims labor costs
- Guests appreciate tasting in ounce‑sized pours, fostering exploration and loyalty
- Owners in Arkansas drew 500+ customers during their opening weekend.
Support & Turnkey Systems
From franchise introductory calls to Discovery Day, site selection, training, grand‑opening, and beyond—all is included at smokinoakpizza.com/pizza-franchise/.
Diversified Revenues & Brand Strength
- Multiple income streams: Pizza, craft beers, wines, cocktails by the ounce, merchandising, and events.
- Distinctiveness: It’s not just another eatery—it’s a destination with pizza, wood-fire flair, and a self-pour experience.
Proven Expansion & Scale
Currently open in Florida, Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, and another coming to Georgia this month show momentum. Brand demand is clear—territories are quickly being snapped up.
Steps to Launch Your Own Taproom Franchise
Assess finances & commitment – What funding and time can you dedicate?
Research the model – Attend info sessions/webinars, check out Fast Facts document.
Review the Franchise Disclosure Document – Understand fees, territories, support.
Explore existing taprooms – Visit locations in Fayetteville (AR), Brooksville (FL), Clifton (CO), Broomfield (CO), Washington (MO), and Omaha (NE). Check out existing owners' testimonials:
Local owners in Brooksville, FL, Rod and Cat Scott, are thrilled to share Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza and Taproom with their local community.
The Brooksville location features the only self-serve taproom in Hernando County and is the first Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza and self-pour Taproom location in Florida. “Our taproom features lots of local craft beers from the Tampa Bay Area and around the state of Florida”, says Rod, who proudly selected local beers to offer as part of their local taproom selections.
Ben and Monica Roberts, owners of the Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom in Fayetteville, AR, were won over by the unique combination of handcrafted artisan pizza and the innovative digital self-pour tap wall concept. “We will have the largest and only digital tap wall in Arkansas, serving a wide variety of beer, wine, and mixed drinks,” the Roberts revealed. “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that serves fast and fresh pizza. Get in and out in 30 minutes for a quick lunch or stay a while and sample drinks from our digital tap wall. We are excited to bring this experience to the Fayetteville community and all of Northwest Arkansas.”
Sign the franchise agreement, then begin site selection, design, and licensing.
Train your team.
Launch impactful community-focused promotions and plan an attention-grabbing grand opening event.
Compare Pour Taproom Franchise Cost & Opportunity
Feature | Smokin’ Oak Taproom Franchise |
Investment range | $448,745 – $891,205 |
Self‑pour tap‑wall tech | Included with support and analytics |
Revenue streams | Pizza, beer/wine/cocktails, events |
Brand growth | Rapid expansion across several states |
Training & support | Extensive—from site to grand opening |
Final Recommendation
If you're serious about how to start your own taproom, Smokin’ Oak Pizza delivers a compelling package:
- A combo of high‑demand pizza and craft drink tiers.
- Innovative pour taproom franchise cost that includes profit-boosting technology.
- Strong brand support, diversified revenue sources, and rapid market growth.
Compared to traditional taproom concepts, Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom Franchise offers turnkey entry into fast-casual dining and self‑pour innovation unmatched in its category. Smokin’ Oak Pizza stands out also not just for its tech or its pizza, but because we believe in delivering bold flavors, community connection, and a flexible dining experience where guests come first.
Ready to Learn More?
Request details by filling out a form on our site. But don't wait—territories are moving fast, and the taproom trend shows no signs of slowing.
Quick FAQs
What is ‘self‑pour taproom’ technology?
Guests use RFID wristbands/cards to tap the wall and pour beer, wine, or cocktails. They only pay by what they pour, by the ounce—empowering exploration while reducing labor and boosting sales.
Is pizza experience required?
Not at all. Franchise candidates receive full training in operations, menu, marketing, and tap-wall management.
When can I open?
From contract to grand opening typically takes 7–12 months, depending on permits and build-out.
Launching a taproom franchise is more than a business—it's creating a social hub where food, drink, and fun meet. Smokin’ Oak Wood‑Fired Pizza & Taproom Franchise offers a refined, well-supported, and market‑proven path to success. If you're ready to pair wood‑fired pizza with craft self‑pour experiences, the best taproom franchise opportunity in America today is right for you.