Success Stories
Common Oven Pizzeria | New Kensington, PA
Recently, some casual restaurateurs have been rethinking traditional table service models in favor of leaner, more streamlined counter service operations. Co-located with a local New Kensington, PA brewery, Gavin McCall satisfies flavor-forward taproom guests and loyal “takeout” fans via intentionally minimalist “food hall style” service!
In other words, to minimize employee overhead, Gavin asks guests to clear their own tables, doesn’t take phone orders, and provides his menu via tabletop QR code.
Besides consistently excellent food at exceptionally reasonable prices, a key to Gavin’s success is pre-managing guest expectations to match his particular “bare bones” service model by sharing his FAQ via social media:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have indoor seating?
Yes! We are located inside Strange Roots New Kensington, and we share a lovely taproom that serves beer, wine, and soft drinks. We also have a courtyard area outdoors.
Do I have to order online?
No! You can come order at the counter. However, if you want to preorder takeout, you do have to order online, since we do not have a phone.
Do you deliver?
We currently do delivery through DoorDash. However, since DoorDash charges significant fees both to us and to you as the customer, we always recommend placing pickup orders on our website, as it is cheaper for everyone involved.
Are you a full service restaurant?
We are not. We are counter service only, so we do not have dedicated servers. This is a QR menu, get your own napkins, clear your own plates kind of place. We do this so that we can serve the best food we can at not-insane prices. If you hate that with a blinding passion, that’s totally fair, and while I still love you, I recommend you go elsewhere.
Check out Common Oven’s Instagram by clicking HERE.
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