Table 87: Coal Fired Tradition, Powered by Wood Stone
When Table 87 opened in Brooklyn Heights, it set itself apart in New York City’s crowded pizza scene by embracing coal fire as the heart of its kitchen. In fact, Table 87 became the first restaurant in NYC to install Wood Stone’s coal fired ovens—a decision that shaped not only their identity, but also their ability to grow from one neighborhood pizzeria into a multi-channel brand.
Tradition Meets Reliability
Coal-fired ovens are part of New York’s pizza heritage, but they’re also notoriously high-maintenance. Traditional coal ovens can have inconsistent temperatures, hot spots, and require constant tending. For a restaurant aiming to build its reputation around coal fire, that level of unpredictability was a challenge.
By choosing Wood Stone’s gas-assisted coal-fired oven, Table 87 found the balance they needed: the old-world flavor and authenticity of coal fire, paired with modern-day consistency and reliability. Customers see glowing coal as they walk in—delivering theater and tradition—while the kitchen team gets the dependable performance required to keep up with demand.
Growing Beyond the Restaurant
What started with one oven in Brooklyn Heights is now three full-service restaurants, each equipped with Wood Stone. On a busy Friday night, those ovens keep up with lines out the door, turning out hundreds of pizzas without slowing down. Zero recovery time and even deck temperatures mean new staff can train quickly, while experienced cooks can push the ovens to their limits with confidence.
In 2014, Table 87 took another big step forward—launching a frozen pizza line. With three Wood Stone ovens dedicated to frozen production, the team bakes up to 10,000 pizzas a day. Today, their frozen 10-inch coal-fired pies are available in 3,000+ supermarkets nationwide, including Whole Foods.
Ovens That Make the Difference
For Table 87, investing in Wood Stone ovens wasn’t just about equipment—it was about differentiation. In a city where pizza is everywhere, the ovens gave them a way to stand out: showcasing coal fire heritage, ensuring consistent quality, and supporting growth from a single Brooklyn storefront to a nationally recognized brand.
As the team says, “The oven is the heart of the restaurant. With Wood Stone, we get the authenticity customers expect and the reliability we need to grow.”
👉 Want to learn more about how Wood Stone ovens help operators like Table 87 combine tradition with performance? See our ovens in action at Table 87 in Brooklyn—or explore how they can power your kitchen.
