Case Study: Smoke's Poutinerie hits it big in Saskatoon with 7shifts

Smoke's Poutinerie hits it big in Saskatoon

Smoke’s Poutinerie is a rapidly growing Canadian chain known for its playful, poutine-only restaurants. When franchisee Jason Evanchko brought the concept to Saskatoon he faced the twin challenges of finding the right downtown, late-night location and connecting the bold Smoke’s brand to a market with strong small‑town roots.

Jason solved this by securing a prime 21st Street spot, leaning into the brand’s fun personality, and launching localized marketing like the weekly “Weird, Wild, Wacky, Stuff Yo’ Face — Small Town Saskatchewan” free-poutine giveaway, which drew lines of 120 people and huge community buzz. The tactics boosted late-night traffic, earned corporate recognition for creative marketing, and mirrored Smoke’s national growth (now 100+ locations, including U.S. expansion).

Smoke's Poutinerie

Darryl

Partner