Timber Pizza Ignites Virginia Growth with Alexandria, Richmond Stores

WASHINGTON – February 24, 2026 – Timber Pizza Co., the award-winning brand that grew from a mobile pizza oven in a 1967 Chevy pickup to a Washington, D.C. culinary staple, is making a significant strategic move south. The company today announced plans to open two new franchisee-owned and operated locations in Alexandria and Richmond, Virginia, signaling a major push for regional growth and solidifying the Commonwealth as a pivotal market for its East Coast ambitions.

The Richmond store is slated to open by the end of 2026, with the Alexandria location to follow. This expansion builds on the momentum of a busy year that saw the company open six new franchise locations, including successful launches in Charleston, S.C., and both Raleigh and Durham, N.C.

Virginia's Fertile Ground for Franchises

Timber Pizza's decision to anchor its next growth phase in Virginia is a calculated move backed by strong economic indicators. The International Franchise Association (IFA) ranked Virginia as the third-best state to open a franchise in 2025, a testament to its robust and welcoming business environment. Projections for 2025 estimated that franchise businesses in the state would grow by 6%, employing over 270,000 people and generating nearly $27 billion in revenue.

This favorable climate is supported by a competitive corporate tax rate, a low unemployment rate of just 2.90%, and consistent population growth, particularly in the metropolitan areas Timber is targeting. The state’s diverse and growing population presents an ideal consumer base for the brand's inventive offerings.

"Virginia's diverse demographics and its versatile, trendy culinary scene make it the perfect fit for a concept like ours," said Chris Brady, co-founder of Timber Pizza. "We've always felt a strong connection to the Commonwealth. Our mobile business has been welcomed for years in both Northern Virginia and the Richmond community, so we're excited to grow in places that already feel like home to us."

Company leadership views the state as more than just another territory; it's a strategic hub. "Virginia represents the next major chapter for Timber. Establishing a strong foothold here is critical as we continue to grow, especially with the market sitting right next to our D.C. headquarters where we can best support our operators," said Luke Watson, CEO of Timber Pizza.

Firing Up a Competitive Market

Timber Pizza will not be entering a vacuum. Both Alexandria and Richmond boast mature and competitive pizza markets, populated by national giants like Domino's and Papa John's, fast-casual competitors like &pizza and Blaze Pizza, and—perhaps most formidably—a host of beloved local institutions.

In Alexandria, Timber will vie for diners' attention against established wood-fired and Neapolitan pizzerias like Pizzeria Paradiso and Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap. In Richmond, the brand will face acclaimed local powerhouses such as Pupatella, known for its authentic Neapolitan pies, and the iconic Bottoms Up Pizza. To carve out its niche, Timber will rely on the same formula that earned it acclaim in D.C.: a combination of high-quality ingredients, unique flavor profiles, and a deep commitment to becoming a neighborhood fixture.

The company’s menu, featuring creative pies like 'The Bentley' and 'The Green Monster,' is designed to stand out. More importantly, its brand ethos, born from its food truck origins, emphasizes community engagement and creating a welcoming, local vibe. This “neighborhood-oriented” philosophy will be its primary tool for differentiation, aiming to build a loyal following one community at a time.

The Blueprint for Growth: A Scalable Slice of the Pie

At the heart of Timber's expansion is a franchise model designed for ambitious entrepreneurs. The company promotes a "streamlined, scalable model built for hands-on ownership and long-term growth." This framework is engineered to allow multi-unit operators to expand thoughtfully while remaining engaged in daily operations.

Key elements include an efficient, curated menu that simplifies inventory and kitchen operations, flexible and approachable hours that appeal to both staff and customers, and the backing of a brand with significant awareness in the Mid-Atlantic. This structure provides a balance, giving franchisees the tools to scale their business without sacrificing the quality and community focus that define the brand.

"As we expand into Richmond and Alexandria, my focus is on making the franchisee experience as seamless as possible so our partners can spend less time navigating systems and more time building spaces that bring people together," Watson explained. This commitment to franchisee support is crucial for attracting experienced operators capable of executing the brand's vision.

From D.C. to the Commonwealth and Beyond

This Virginia expansion is not an isolated event but a key part of a deliberate, multi-state strategy. Having already established a beachhead in the Carolinas, Timber is methodically building its presence along the East Coast. The company already has a foothold in Virginia with well-regarded locations in McLean and inside Terminal E of Reagan National Airport, the latter of which serves as a high-visibility brand ambassador to travelers.

Positive customer reception at these existing locations has demonstrated the concept's appeal to Virginia consumers and provided valuable operational insights. Now, the company is looking to build on that success, targeting Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, and the Hampton Roads/Tidewater region for its next wave of growth within the state.

As Timber Pizza Co. prepares to fire up its wood ovens in Alexandria and Richmond, the move represents more than just two new stores. It is a critical test of the brand's ability to transplant its unique, community-centric culture into new and competitive markets, a test that will undoubtedly shape the next chapter of its ambitious East Coast expansion.