This week’s “Throwback Thursday” highlighted Grimaldi’s pizzeria located at 1 Front Street in Dumbo, Brooklyn. Grimaldi’s historic location also features their signature look. They have an open kitchen concept that demonstrates the art of pizza making to its guests. But they are most famous for their coal-burning ovens which are heated to a temperature of up to 1200 degrees which they feel gives the pizza a unique smoky flavor and thin crust. They have a “secret recipe” sauce and a 100-year-old dough recipe.

Scarano Architect, PLLC was hired by Grimaldi’s to make renovations to the pizzeria. After completion, the dining accommodations will house more than 100 patrons showcasing family-friendly comfortable rustic décor. The restaurant design will feature Grimaldi’s signature red and white signature tablecloths, handcrafted hanging wine bottle chandeliers, and classic black and white still photos of Brooklyn, New York the city where the eatery originated.

They had another architect quit because the owner installed a coal oven rather than the gas-coal combination that had been agreed on. The Department of Buildings said the Fire Department and environmental regulations restricted new coal ovens and special approval was needed. Due to the problems they were having getting the coal oven approved by the Department of Buildings, Robert Scarano worked with the DOB and eventually, the coal oven was allowed to be grandfathered in.  Sometimes, a little hard work and perseverance get the job done.

I hope you all have a happy, healthy New Year!