Pennings installs new live-edge Rootstock tables in its pub
WARWICK — When Steve and Jill Pennings, owners of Pennings Farm Market, 181 Route 94 South, decided to replace the tables in their popular pub and grill, they also decided to buy local.
They commissioned Rootstock Woodworks, a Warwick-based freestyle wood studio. Rootstock's specialty is "live-edge," a process where the finished piece has the natural flow of wood as it was originally cut.
The character of wood"We peel away the bark and use what's left without changing the character or coloring," said Rootstock co-owner Chris Gehrlein.
Steve and Jill Pennings wanted a variety of woods and they wanted to use local wood. And the wood used for the tables built by Rootstock for Pennings was also milled by Bruce Ludovicy at another Warwick firm, Ludo's Thick and Thin Lumber.
On Wednesday, Aug. 5, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Mayor Newhard and members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce joined the Pennings and Rootstock owners Gehrlein and Chris Pape for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new furnishings.
The 16 new tables are an eclectic mix of woods including maple, oak, pine, cherry, ash and black walnut and they range in size from 42 by 42 inch tables that seat four to a larger farm-style style table for six or even eight patrons.
Gehrlein and his partner Pape, who is a master carpenter, had a branding iron made of the Pennings logo and they added that Pennings brand along with the Rootstock logo on each table.
Local, local, local"It's all about collaboration," said Gehrlein. "We take our customers' ideas and unite creativity with our wood-working talent."
The tables, like all products made by Rootstock, are finished with a natural, non-toxic topcoat that is based on plant oils and waxes.
This makes the tables liquid resistant while allowing the wood to breathe which reduces shrinking and swelling and extends the life of the table.
Rootstock Woodworks also caters to the needs of individuals looking to incorporate original, handcrafted pieces into their homes or offices.
Pennings Pub & Grill specializes in American craft beer, wine and its own hard cider. The pub offers a varied menu and is open seven days a week for dinner and entertainment by local bands along with trivia or brewery nights.
"Our customers come and stay a while," said Jill Pennings. "We asked Rootstock to make sure the tables were roomy enough for lots of plates and resilient enough for our very busy restaurant."
Find out moreFor more information about Rootstock Woodworks, follow them on Instagram at rootstock_woodworks or on Facebook at Facebook.com/rootstockny.
For additional information about Pennings Orchard and Farm Market call 986-1059 or visit www.penningsfarmmarket.com.
- Roger Gavan