Pizza, Passed Tableside: Meet Pizza Rio, the Smokies’ Only Brazilian-Style Pizzeria

You’ve done your research on the Smoky Mountains. You know the pancake houses. You’ve scrolled through the usual suspects on the strip. You’ve eaten well here before.

But we’d be willing to bet you haven’t had a meal quite like this.

Pizza Rio brings a Brazilian rodízio experience to the Great Smoky Mountains; and as one of our Decade of Hapey giveaway sponsors, they’re contributing something that’s going to make a winner’s next cabin trip genuinely unforgettable. Before we get to the prize, let’s introduce you to the people and the food behind it.


What Is Rodízio-Style Pizza, And Why Does It Change Everything?

If you’ve been to a Brazilian steakhouse, you already understand the rhythm. If you haven’t, here’s the idea: instead of ordering a pizza and waiting for one dish to arrive, servers circulate through the restaurant bringing a continuous flow of freshly made pizzas directly to your table. You try what catches your eye, pass on what doesn’t, and let the meal unfold on its own terms.

All you can eat pizza served by a waiter at Pizza Rio.

No decisions to regret. No “should we have gotten the other one?” Just flavor after flavor, savory pizzas, then dessert pizzas, alongside fresh salads and house-made sides, all for one fixed price.

Some of the freshly made salads from Pizza Rio.

It’s the kind of dinner where everyone at the table gets exactly what they want, nobody argues about toppings, and you somehow end the night talking about which pizza was your favorite as you walk back to the car.

💡 Good to Know: The rodízio format is especially great for families and groups. Picky eaters can wave off what they don’t want; adventurous eaters can try everything. It’s genuinely one of the most stress-free dining experiences you can have, and that’s not an accident. It’s by design.


A Family Dream, Built on Fresh Ingredients

Pizza Rio didn’t start as a restaurant concept, it started as a family value.

Andressa Alamini, Pizza Rio’s Marketing Manager, described how the business was built from the beginning around one guiding principle: serve food you’d feel good giving your own kids. As parents, the founding family was already thinking carefully about ingredients, about what “made from scratch” actually means, and about what kind of environment they wanted to create for their community.

A Pizza Rio chef pressing out fresh dough for pizza.

That philosophy shows up in every detail. The dough ferments for over 24 hours before it ever sees an oven. The sauces are made in-house. The daily-made items are prepared fresh, every day, the way you’d do it at home if you had the time.

The rodízio format was the natural expression of that same hospitality instinct; food brought directly to you, thoughtfully prepared, in a space designed to feel welcoming rather than rushed.

A Pizza Rio chef tossing fresh pizza dough.

Pizza Rio has been serving the Smoky Mountains community since 2022, and in that time they’ve built exactly what they set out to: a place that feels personal, consistent, and worth coming back to.

✦ Worth Noting: Everything on the table at Pizza Rio was made in-house with fresh ingredients, from the 24-hour fermented dough to the sauces. That kind of commitment to quality isn’t something you stumble into; it’s a deliberate choice they make every single day.

One of the many dessert pizza offerings at Pizza Rio.

Two Locations. Two Completely Different Experiences.

One of the things that makes Pizza Rio genuinely unique is that choosing a location isn’t just about convenience; it’s a choice between two distinct atmospheres.

The dining area at the Pigeon Forge Pizza Rio location.

Image: The modern dining area at the Pigeon Forge Pizza Rio location.

Pigeon ForgeGatlinburg
140 Showplace Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN373 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
Modern, cozy space with thoughtful design — and mountain views with spectacular sunsets visible from your table.A historic cabin with preserved original character — warm, authentic, and set alongside a spectacular river view.

Hours vary by location — check pizza-rio.com before you go.

The dining area at the Gatlinburg Pizza Rio location.

Image: The cozy dining area at the Gatlinburg Pizza Rio location.

Both locations deliver the same rodízio experience, the same in-house quality, and the same tableside service. The setting, though, is entirely its own thing. If you’re staying in Pigeon Forge, the mountain views from the table make for a dinner with a backdrop that does most of the work. If you’re exploring Gatlinburg, the historic cabin space feels like the Smokies came inside to join you.

Either way, you’re not eating in a chain restaurant. You’re eating somewhere that actually belongs here.


A Local Tip Worth Stealing

We asked the Pizza Rio team for their favorite piece of advice for visitors to the Smokies, and they offered something we genuinely agree with:

Yes, Dollywood and Anakeesta are worth it; great views, great energy, something for everyone. But the Smokies are at their most magical when you build in some slower moments. Early mornings. Sunset from a ridge you almost didn’t stop at. A trail that takes you away from the main strip for an hour.

Their suggestion? Balance the energy of the big attractions with the quiet that makes this place special. Then cap the evening at Pizza Rio, where the pace of the meal does exactly that; brings everything down to a comfortable, enjoyable rhythm.

→ The Hapey Take: We couldn’t agree more. That’s the philosophy behind every cabin we offer; a home base where the pace is yours. Pair a slow morning on the porch with a rodízio dinner and you’ve got a Smokies trip that actually feels like a vacation.


🎁

The Prize

Rodízio Dinner for Two at Pizza Rio

The full Brazilian-style rodízio experience: unlimited tableside service of handcrafted pizzas from savory to dessert, fresh salads, and house-made sides. A dining experience worth approximately $60, valid at either Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg location.

Redemption Details

A few things to know before you redeem:

  • Valid at either the Pigeon Forge (140 Showplace Blvd) or Gatlinburg (373 Parkway) location
  • Blackout dates apply on major holidays: Valentine’s Day, Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

How to Enter the Decade of Hapey Giveaway

Entering is free. Every action below earns you additional entries, more entries means a better shot at winning.

ENTRY ACTIONENTRIESNOTES
Join the Hapey email list+1 entryAlready subscribed? You’re automatically entered.
Follow Hapey on Facebook +1 entryNew follows only
Follow Hapey on Instagram+1 entryNew follows only
Tag a friend in the giveaway post+1 entry per tagMax 3 tags per person.
Share the giveaway post to your story or feed+2 entriesPublic shares only.
Book direct at hapeycabinrentals.com during June+5 entriesBiggest entry bonus — book your stay, earn your shot at winning.

Our 10th anniversary is a reason to celebrate, and we want you to celebrate with us. The Decade of Hapey giveaway brings together the best of what the Smoky Mountains have to offer, with incredible experiences contributed by local partners.


SPONSORPRIZEVALUE
Hapey Cabin RentalsA 2-night stay at your choice of any Hapey cabin (7 properties to choose from — including our brand-new Sunny View Cabin!)$650
BabyQuipTwo‑Night/Three‑Day Rental of Winner’s Choice of Either a Pet Travel Bundle or a Large Custom‑Curated Children’s Toy Package, with Complimentary Delivery to Hapey’s Cabin RentalsUp to $75
CookinGenie$150 gift card to book a private chef of your choice! Choose from our different chefs in the Smoky Mountains to find a menu that is perfect for you and your group.$150
Smoky Mtn Outdoors RaftingRafting voucher for 2 on the Upper Pigeon River or Lower Pigeon River
$100
Smoky H2O SportsA $50 gift certificate – it can be used toward any rental or anything we sell at our location.
$50
Cruze FarmA Cruze Farm insulated tote and 6 free pints of ice cream.
$70
Pizza RioA dining experience for two, featuring our Brazilian-style rodízio pizza service. The prize includes unlimited tableside service of our handcrafted pizzas, from savory to dessert, along with our fresh salads and house-made sides.$60
La Crème CheesecakeOne handcrafted gourmet cheesecake (12 slices)$99

Six Cabins. Your Call.

If you win, the choice is yours. Pick any Hapey cabin for your 2-night getaway, from a cozy romantic escape for two to a mountain retreat that sleeps the whole crew.

🏡 Blissful Tranquility
A peaceful Pigeon Forge escape with stunning views, a private hot tub, and a fenced yard your pup will love. Sleeps 6.

🏡 Timeless Tranquility
Cozy, classic, and perfectly romantic. A Pigeon Forge cabin for two (or four) with a hot tub and all the creature comforts. Sleeps 4.

🏡 Hapey Memories
Bring the family (and the dogs). A warm, inviting Sevierville cabin designed for making the kind of memories you’ll talk about for years. Sleeps 4.

🏡 Sleepy Bear Ranch
Our biggest cabin — perfect for reunions, big families, or a group that likes to spread out. Pigeon Forge. Sleeps 11.

🏡 Little Bear
Newly renovated with panoramic mountain views, a private hot tub, and a dreamy loft. The one you’ll never want to leave. Sevierville. Sleeps 6.

🏡 Sunny View Cabin ✨ NEW
Brand new for June 2026. Sunny View is a newly renovated 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath romantic escape inside the gated Shagbark community in Sevierville. The name says it all: panoramic Smoky Mountain views from a hot-tub deck that faces the ridge, a double-sided gas fireplace shared between the living room and bedroom, an in-bedroom Jacuzzi tub for two, a pool table, and Shagbark community perks including a seasonal pool, enclosed dog park, walking trails, and disc golf. Sleeps 4. Dogs welcome — zero pet fees, always.


The Locals Behind This Prize

This giveaway wouldn’t exist without seven incredible Smoky Mountain businesses who believe in the same thing we do — that a trip to these mountains should be unforgettable. Here’s who’s making it happen.

BabyQuip

BabyQuip Logo

Traveling with little ones just got a whole lot easier — BabyQuip delivers clean, sanitized baby gear right to your Hapey cabin door, from cribs to strollers and everything in between. Local provider Kelly Inglett makes sure your family arrives relaxed and ready to make mountain memories without hauling half the nursery from home.


CookinGenie

CookinGenie Logo

Why spend your vacation cooking when a professional chef can bring a restaurant-quality meal straight to your cabin kitchen? CookinGenie connects you with talented local chefs who handle the shopping, the cooking, and the cleanup — so all you have to do is pull up a chair and enjoy.


Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting

SMO Rafting Logo

If your crew is ready to trade hot tub relaxation for a shot of adrenaline, Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting has you covered with guided whitewater adventures on the Pigeon River. From beginner-friendly floats to heart-pounding rapids, it’s the kind of day the whole family talks about for years.


Smoky H2O Sports

Smoky Mountain H2O Sports Logo

The team at Smoky H2O Sports bring the fun straight to the water with rentals and guided experiences that make the most of the Smokies’ lakes and rivers. Whether you’re paddling, floating, or just soaking it in, they’ve got everything you need for a perfect day out.


Cruze Farm

Cruze Farm Logo

Cruze Farm brings a taste of authentic Tennessee right to your Smoky Mountain getaway — from creamy, small-batch ice cream to farm-fresh products made with real ingredients and genuine heart. It’s the kind of stop that turns a good trip into a great one, and once you try it, you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve finished the first scoop.


Pizza Rio

Pizza Rio Logo

When the crew is hungry after a day of hiking and hot-tubbing, Pizza Rio delivers bold, made-from-scratch flavors that hit the spot every single time. With a menu built on fresh ingredients and a whole lot of love, it’s become a go-to for Smoky Mountain visitors who want something a step above the ordinary.


La Crème Cheesecake

Pizza Rio Logo

La Crème Cheesecake is the Smokies’ sweetest secret — handcrafted cheesecakes so rich and indulgent they deserve their own spot on the vacation itinerary. Whether you treat yourself to a slice in-store or bring a whole cheesecake back to the cabin, it’s the kind of dessert that makes the whole trip feel even more special. Read their story →


Frequently Asked Questions

Who can enter?

Anyone 18 or older in the United States. One entry account per person.

How many times can I enter?

You can complete each entry action once, except tagging friends (max 3 tags) and the direct booking bonus (5 entries per qualifying booking). There’s no limit on the booking bonus if you make multiple direct bookings during June.

Do I have to spend money to enter?

Absolutely not. Joining our email list, following us on social media, and tagging a friend are all completely free. The direct booking bonus is for guests who were already planning a trip — it’s just a little extra thank-you for booking direct.

When does the prize have to be used?

The 2-night cabin stay can be used anytime after winning, subject to availability. It excludes major holidays (Memorial Day weekend, July 4th weekend, Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s). You’re welcome to extend your stay by booking additional nights at your own expense.

Can I choose any cabin?

Yes! All 7 Hapey cabins are included — including Sunny View Cabin, our brand-new property launching in June 2026. Winner gets first pick.

Are pets welcome?

This is Hapey. Of course they are! Zero pet fees, no breed or size restrictions. Bring the whole family.

How will the winner be notified?

The winner will be contacted via the email address used to enter within 24 hours of the drawing on July 1. We’ll also announce the winner publicly on our Facebook and Instagram pages (first name and last initial only).

What if I already subscribe to the Hapey email list?

You’re automatically credited with your email list entry — no action needed. We appreciate you being part of the Hapey family!


The Perfect Cabin + Dinner Pairing

There’s a version of a Smoky Mountain trip that looks like this: a long hike in the morning, a lazy hot-tub afternoon at the cabin, and then dinner somewhere that feels worth getting dressed for.

Pizza Rio fits that last part perfectly. The rodízio format means there’s no wait-and-wonder; the food comes to you. The settings at both locations give you something to look at while you eat. And the pace of the meal, food arriving in waves rather than all at once, turns dinner into an experience you actually linger over.

A savory pepperoni and pepper pizza fresh from the oven at Pizza Rio.

It pairs especially well with a Hapey cabin stay because both are built around the same idea: that a great trip isn’t about rushing from one thing to the next. It’s about giving the good moments room to breathe.

→ Planning Your Stay: Ready to book the cabin to go with your Pizza Rio dinner? Browse all six Hapey properties at hapeycabinrentals.com — all pet-friendly, all with hot tubs, and none with surprise fees.


Visit Pizza Rio

Whether you win the giveaway or just want to make a reservation for your next trip, here’s where to find them:

Hours vary by location — check the website before you go, especially during peak season when reservations fill up faster than you’d expect.


Hapey Cabin Rentals has been welcoming families (and their dogs) to the Smoky Mountains for 10 years. We’re celebrating with the local businesses that make this place worth coming back to. Pizza Rio is a perfect example. Book your cabin at Hapey Cabin Rentals and let Pizza Rio handle one of your dinners.

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