Franchise
FAQs

Franchising is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission and in certain cases, individual states. Franchise companies are required to comply with both federal and state franchise laws and regulations when offering and granting franchises. You will find that franchise companies often follow similar paths in introducing prospective franchisees to the franchise opportunity. For example, all franchise companies are required to provide their Franchise Disclosure Document to a prospective franchisee at least fourteen days prior to signing the Franchise Agreement or paying any money to the franchisor or its affiliates. The Disclosure Document includes the Franchise Disclosure Document (“FDD”), Franchise Agreement and additional Exhibits (such as the company’s financial statements and the Operations & Policies Manual Table of Contents). The FDD is written in “plain English” and provides important information about the franchise company and various terms and provisions contained in the franchise agreement. You will learn a great deal about our company and the franchise relationship through your review of the FDD.

We do not require any specific background or work experience to be considered for a franchise.  We are confident in our ability to train Franchisees to successfully duplicate our system, so we are seeking individuals who possess good business acumen and are committed to following our proven system of operation. Of course, Franchisees must also possess the minimum financial qualifications necessary to fund the opening of their franchise, which includes a minimum credit score of 680 and $150,000 of liquid capital.

Yes, provided your partner owns at least 50% of your Franchise Business.

We offer an “Area Developer Program” for Franchisees who are qualified to open multiple franchise locations. Area Developers receive an exclusive area in which they are permitted to open additional locations over an agreed time period.

Yes, provided your General Manager successfully completes our initial training program.

The total investment ranges from $303,000 to $682,800. The investment varies based on factors specific to each location, including the size of the location, leasehold improvement costs, lease rates and other similar expenses. Please contact us if you would like to receive a detailed outline of the estimated initial investment.

We do not offer in-house financing; however, we can provide a list of potential lenders for you to contact to determine your qualification to obtain financing.

We conduct Initial Franchise Training for Franchise Owners and Managers at our flagship location in Rochester, MN. Initial Franchise Training is a comprehensive two-week program covering all material aspects of the Franchise Business. We also provide up to 5 days of on-site training and support at your franchise location shortly before opening and during the first few days of operation.

We estimate that the time required to open your franchise following the signing of the Franchise Agreement is 6 to 9 months.  This includes the time required to select a site, negotiate the lease, complete leasehold improvements, complete our initial Franchise Training, and hire and train your staff.

The Federal Trade Commission’s Franchise Rule permits franchise companies to make “financial performance representations” (FPRs) in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Although many franchise companies choose not to make FPRs, we believe it is extremely important to do so since it helps prospective Franchisees understand the financial aspects of our business.  In Item 19 of our FDD, we provide an FPR that is based on our flagship location in Rochester, MN.  The information will assist you and your financial advisor in preparing a financial pro forma for your Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza franchise.

We provide Franchisees advertising and marketing programs and establish social media campaigns that will help drive guests to your Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza franchise. During your Initial Franchise Training, our marketing team will begin advising you concerning Grand Opening and ongoing advertising and marketing programs that you will conduct in your Territory.

Strip mall end caps and free standing buildings that offer high visibility and traffic counts are ideal locations for your Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza franchise. The size of the space should range from 1,800-2,200 square feet, although larger spaces will also be considered.  We also highly recommend identifying potential locations that include patio space for outdoor dining.

To ensure you select the right location for your Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza franchise, we review site information and complete demographic research to confirm the proposed location meets our criteria.

We provide Franchisees sample layouts and a floor plan for the construction of a Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza franchise.  Franchisees are also supported by our Corporate Architect who designs the concept layout for your Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza franchise. We also consult with you throughout the design and construction process to ensure your franchise is constructed on time and on budget.

Each Franchise Territory includes a minimum population of 50,000 individuals and is typically defined by zip codes.

Yes, we’d love to have you! Part of the sales development process is making sure that we meet in person at one of our locations and have you sample all of our amazing menu items!

We provide a copy of our Franchise Disclosure Document to you prior to your Discovery Day visit.