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Coach's Corner
Learnings and Leadership from the front lines of franchise development
Welcome to Coach’s Corner.
Whether it’s a 20-second timeout or a full reset, this is a space to step back, draw things up, and share lessons from the front lines — on business, life, and of course, sports.


“2 years later”
Last week we welcomed all of our franchisees to Annapolis for our inaugural Franchisee Summit. We spent the day and evening discussing our system growth, where we are most focused on improving and sharing best practices. For us it was the first time our “original” franchisees and the folks we’ve added over the past year had all been in the same room. Rewind to 2 years ago this week we were about to kick off opening 3 Timber franchises in 3 months. Annapolis, Raleigh and McLea


The Franchise Woman Podcast Highlights Timber Franchisee Kathleen Sears’ Community-First Playbook
What if your best marketing strategy wasn't paid advertising, but serving your local community? Kathleen Sears, owner of Timber Pizza Co. in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, recently sat down with host Rebecca Monet on The Franchise Woman Podcast to share how servant leadership and local generosity drive multi-unit success. Lessons in Servant Leadership & Local Marketing Before opening her two Timber locations, Kathleen built her career as a teacher and community outreach


Pizza Marketplace Highlights Timber’s Accelerated Growth & Operational Momentum
The momentum behind Timber Pizza Co. is reaching a whole new level. Pizza Marketplace recently published a feature covering our second-half 2026 growth acceleration, spotlighting new location announcements across Georgia and Virginia alongside our latest operational innovations. Mid-Atlantic Expansion & Georgia Market Entry The brand's regional footprint is expanding rapidly with high-performing locations and strategic market entries: Georgia Entry: Alpharetta and Cumming are


Washington Business Journal Profiles Timber CEO Luke Watson’s 50-Unit Vision
The Washington Business Journal recently featured Timber Pizza Co. CEO Luke Watson in a profile detailing the brand’s ambitious expansion strategy: scaling the D.C.-born concept to up to 50 locations over the next three years. Scaling Corporate Excellence into Franchising The feature spotlights how Watson’s background in corporate hospitality leadership (including his background at Marriott) is providing the institutional foundation needed to turn a beloved local brand into a


Restaurant Technology Guys Highlight Timber’s Evolution: "From Food Truck to Franchise"
How do you take a vintage 1967 Chevy truck and turn it into a multi-state franchise engine? Co-founder Chris Brady recently joined the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast (Ep. 332) to break down Timber Pizza Co.’s story—from bootstrapping a mobile wood-fired oven to scaling a high-growth restaurant model. Low-Overhead Testing & "Neapolitan-ish" Innovation The episode dives into how Chris and co-founder Andrew Dana tested the waters before making major capital investments. Star


International Franchise Association Highlights Timber’s Georgia Expansion & Industry Recognition
The International Franchise Association (IFA) recently featured Timber Pizza Co. following two major brand milestones: our new multi-unit franchise development agreement in the Atlanta metro area and our official selection to Pizza Marketplace’s 2026 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list. Anchoring the Southeast Footprint This agreement marks our official entry into Georgia, bringing two new locations to high-growth suburban hubs in Alpharetta and Cumming. With the first spot slated


Timber Pizza Co. Founder Chris Brady Featured on "The Franchise Show"
From leaving corporate sales in 2014 to scaling a nationally acclaimed pizza brand, Timber Pizza Co. co-founder Chris Brady recently went live on The Franchise Show to share the brand’s founder story. Joined by 30-year franchising veteran and pizza aficionado Joe Caruso (Franchise Info), Chris broke down how a single wood-fired trailer and a dream evolved into a fast-growing franchise system. From Cubicle Escapism to National Acclaim The feature pulls back the curtain on how


Pizza Today Features Timber Pizza Co. on “The Hot Slice” Podcast
From slinging wood-fired pies out of a 1967 Chevy truck to building a multi-unit franchise system, Timber Pizza Co. is officially closing in on 15+ locations. Co-founder and President Chris Brady recently sat down with Pizza Today’s "The Hot Slice" podcast to break down our growth playbook and share how we’re scaling nationwide without losing our signature "90s summer camp" vibe. Key Takeaways from the Episode The 85/15 Formula for Scaling: We keep 85% of our system standardi


QSR Magazine Names Timber Pizza Co. "One to Watch"
The restaurant industry is officially taking notice of the Timber wave. QSR Magazine recently featured Timber Pizza Co. in a national brand profile, naming us a premier concept "One to Watch" as we track toward an impressive $14.5 to $15 million in total sales for 2026. The 85/15 Operational Framework The feature highlights our unique approach to scaling a franchise without losing our authentic, old-school soul. Co-founder Chris Brady breaks down our signature 85/15 model: 85


It ain’t easy.
Franchising has been all the rage over the last several years, providing a path to wealth for many and a shiny escape for the corporate refugee tired of working for “the man.” For me, it’s the second iteration of the company I helped start 12 years ago. It’s an opportunity to grow Timber across the country and provide a path to entrepreneurship the same way this company paved the way for me. Throwback to Luke Watson and I at our first IFA Convention in 2023! One thing I’ll


Eye on Annapolis Highlights Timber’s Dual Momentum: Local Wins & Regional Growth
The local press is buzzing about the "Timber Wave." Eye on Annapolis recently featured Timber Pizza Co. in a brand profile highlighting our powerful dual momentum: locking in major local awards while simultaneously fueling our multi-unit expansion down south. Local Domination Meets Regional Ambition The feature showcases exactly how well the Timber model translates across completely different markets. While our brand prepares to bring the fire to the Atlanta metro area (inclu


QSR Magazine Reports: Timber Pizza Co. Heading to Atlanta Metro Area
Timber Pizza Co., the award-winning, neighborhood-oriented pizza brand, has signed a new franchise development deal to bring its signature pies to the Atlanta metro area. The agreement includes plans for two locations, officially marking the brand’s entry into the Georgia market as it continues its strategic expansion across the Southeast. The first location is slated for late 2026 or early 2027, with a second unit to follow. Development for this agreement covers the Alpharet


Coach’s Corner: Timber Pizza Atlanta Expansion
Our first major news update here in Coach’s Corner is one that means a lot on several fronts. We have signed a multi-unit agreement for Timber Pizza Co. to begin development in the Atlanta metro area! Our development area includes Alpharetta and Cumming and is for 2 units. Our real estate search is underway and we’re looking forward to finding amazing locations as we bring our first location to Georgia. This deal represents another major Southern expansion milestone and bri


Charting Your Own Course
When we started Timber the main driver was to create a lifestyle where we were in control and had the ability to chart our own course. I never saw myself as a traditional or by the book person who worked in the same field or office for 30-40 years. Frankly; I couldn’t wrap my head around the concept. In my first few months working in DC, I commuted from Annapolis everyday as I saved those first few paychecks to move into the city. Whether it was via bus, driving or taking m


An Introduction to Coach's Corner
An Introduction to Coach's Corner Renewing my love for writing, connecting sports and business while sharing lessons from Timber Pizza’s franchising journey are the core reasons why I’m kicking off our new franchise growth blog “Coach’s Corner” Shared experiences, advice and connecting with fellow entrepreneurs are what inspire me and I hope I can bring a little inspiration to whatever you’re passionate about in both business and life. Growing up in the DMV, writing about s


Restaurant Business Magazine Names Timber Pizza Co. a "Buzzworthy" Emerging Brand
In an economic climate where consumers are watching every dollar, Restaurant Business Magazine recently featured Timber Pizza Co. in a deep-dive profile, highlighting why our approachable, community-centered pizza franchise model is winning the fast-casual landscape. Journalist Lisa Jennings spotlighted our unique ability to elevate the classic family pizza night while keeping it completely accessible to the everyday consumer. The Recipe for High-Volume Success What makes Tim
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