Smoko owners Colin Lagos and Ailsa Franklin-Browne are opening their new wood-fired pizza joint in Fyshwick in early September, even though Canberra will still be in lockdown.
The new outlet, next to the Two Hands cafe in Lyell Street, will be open initially for takeaway, with just two staff and pick-ups through a takeaway window. All Covid-safe procedures will be in place.
Smoko opens on the first day of spring, September 1, the day before lockdown is due to finish in the ACT at this stage.
It will be open from 9.30am to 2.30pm, taking in traditional tradies' smoko, but the name of the pizzeria is also a nod to the smoke from the oven.
Mr Lagos said there was no good time to open a business at the moment.
"And I just have to do it," he said.
"It's Fyshwick's only wood-fired pizzeria.
"We're offering takeaway pizza, from the lunchtime size to the large, and also calzone. It's a quality product, a handmade product from a genuine wood-fired oven.
"And once we're up and running and through the worst, and get cash-flow happening, we're going to start making pastas. But that will be down the track, probably towards the later part of the year. We'll keep the prices affordable and the sizes generous. "
Mr Lagos is a 15-year veteran of pizza in Canberra.
He had Pizza Gusto, first at Red Hill, then Braddon, and now East Pizza at the Kingston Foreshore.
Smoko has transformed an existing old space in Fyshwick, its walls featuring striking murals completed by Brisbane artist Lucks last year.
"It looks fantastic, the mural is such a wonderful feature," Mr Lagos said.
"The oven is big. We've got nice wine-coloured stools. It's very rustic, warehouse-y.
"It's got a real sense of space and place and I hope down the track, customers can connect with that and enjoy coming here when restrictions are eased off and things improve."
Smoko's opening had been delayed by hold-ups with trades initially. But now it is ready to go.
"I didn't plan on opening this time but I just have to," he said.
Mr Lagos is remaining incredibly upbeat despite being one of the many small business owners facing so many obstacles during the Covid lockdown.
"What's keeping me optimistic? I suppose you have to be in business," he said.
"I know I have a great product. It's something I have been doing in Canberra for 15 years. And I have some good, close, loyal staff."
