Selecting the right pizza oven has evolved far beyond a simple gas vs. electric decision. Today’s ovens must be chosen with a keen understanding of how they will impact the specific flour, oils, toppings, and doughs used in your recipes.
Oven technology now includes features like precise temperature control, humidity regulation, and even airflow management—all of which influence the final product’s texture, flavor, and consistency. From crispy thin crusts to chewy Neapolitan-style pies, every element of your pizza can be affected by the oven’s performance, making careful vetting essential to achieving the desired results.
24/7 Restaurant Equipment, a leading supplier of cutting-edge kitchen technology, has long played an integral role in shaping the pizza industry in New Jersey and beyond as they try to answer those key questions that will impact their success. In Fall 2024, the company partnered with the NJ Pizza Jam to sponsor a day of innovation, competition, and camaraderie for the state’s pizza professionals. The event goal is to become a platform for growth—not only for the pizza chefs who attended but also for 24/7 Restaurant Equipment itself, as it showcased its latest equipment and strategies for boosting pizzeria efficiency and creativity.
“NJ Pizza Jam Fall 2024 was an incredible opportunity for us to connect with the pizza community,” said Christian Hernandez, President of 24/7 Restaurant Equipment. “The event was a chance to share our latest innovations, but also to listen and understand what challenges pizza professionals face when adding new pizzas to their menus.”
The NJ Pizza Jam has become a cornerstone event for pizza makers in the region, bringing together restaurateurs, chefs, and industry leaders to share insights, strategies, and of course, some of the best pizza New Jersey has to offer.
Through live demonstrations and interactive workshops, the event gave local pizzerias a platform to experiment with new ingredients, test innovative oven technology, and develop strategies for incorporating fresh pizzas into their existing menus. The star of the show was the PizzaGroup USA Dragon oven, a stone conveyor oven known for its ability to bake pizzas faster and more consistently than traditional gas ovens.
“This event wasn’t just about showcasing new equipment,” Hernandez explained. “It was about helping pizzerias grow their businesses by adding more efficiency and flexibility to their operations. We showed them how our technology, like the Dragon oven, can help increase production capacity without compromising the quality of their pizza.”
The ability to quickly and efficiently bake pizzas has become crucial for pizzerias facing rising labor costs and increased customer demand. Attendees of the NJ Pizza Jam were treated to hands-on demonstrations that allowed them to experience firsthand how ovens like the Dragon can dramatically reduce baking times while maintaining the authentic taste and texture that pizza lovers expect.
“One of the most exciting parts of this event was seeing how eager pizzeria owners were to try new things,” Hernandez added. “Many of them left the event with ideas for new pizzas to add to their menus and more confidence in their ability to meet demand during busy times.”
Another key factor in 24/7 Restaurant Equipment’s success at the NJ Pizza Jam has been the addition of Jeanette Catena to their team. With over 14 years of experience in the pizza industry, Catena brings a wealth of knowledge about both the technical aspects of baking and the critical role of high-quality ingredients. “Jeanette has been a game-changer for us,” said Hernandez. “She understands how the right combination of ovens, ingredients, and technique can elevate a pizzeria’s offerings. With her expertise, we can now provide our clients with even more tailored solutions—not just for cooking pizza, but for perfecting the dough, balancing toppings, and ensuring every pie comes out exactly right.”
One of the biggest challenges pizza professionals face today is ensuring that their ovens and ingredients work in harmony. A poorly calibrated oven can overcook the cheese or underbake the crust, leading to a disappointing final product. With Catena on board, 24/7 Restaurant Equipment has been able to expand its services, offering expert guidance on everything from oven temperature settings to ingredient selection.
“At the NJ Pizza Jam, we saw a huge interest in how different cheeses, sauces, and even oils affect the baking process,” Catena said. “We showed participants how making slight adjustments in their ingredient choices or oven settings could make a huge difference in the final product. That’s something that really resonated with the chefs at the event.”
For 24/7 Restaurant Equipment, the NJ Pizza Jam Fall 2024 was more than just an event; it was a strategic opportunity to solidify its place as a leader in the pizza industry. As pizzerias look to innovate and expand their menus, 24/7 Restaurant Equipment has positioned itself as the go-to partner for any pizzeria looking to modernize its operations.
“The NJ Pizza Jam gave us an opportunity to connect directly with our customers and hear about their challenges,” said Hernandez. “It’s events like this that help us stay ahead of the curve. We’re not just selling equipment; we’re building relationships and helping businesses thrive.”
Hernandez also spoke about the future plans for 24/7 Restaurant Equipment, including expanding its product line to incorporate more sustainable and energy-efficient options. With electric ovens like the Dragon becoming more popular, the company is focusing on helping pizzerias reduce their carbon footprints without sacrificing quality.
“While we understand the importance of gas-powered cooking, electric ovens are the future of pizza making,” Hernandez predicted. “Not only do they reduce energy consumption, but they also provide a more consistent bake. We’ve had some pizzeria owners who were skeptical at first, but after seeing the results at NJ Pizza Jam, they were convinced. We’re excited to help more businesses make that switch.”
Looking forward, 24/7 Restaurant Equipment plans to continue its expansion in the pizza industry by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and education. Hernandez hinted at plans for more events like NJ Pizza Jam, where pizza professionals can come together to learn, share, and grow.
“We’re planning to roll out more educational events in the future,” Hernandez revealed. “The NJ Pizza Jam is just the beginning. We want to create spaces where pizza makers can come to us with their challenges, and we can help them find solutions—not just with equipment but with the knowledge and support they need to succeed.”
As 24/7 Restaurant Equipment continues to grow, it is clear that the company is committed to not only supplying the tools of the trade but also empowering pizza makers to achieve their creative and business goals.
“Our mission has always been about more than just equipment,” Hernandez concluded. “We’re here to help our clients grow, adapt, and succeed—one pizza at a time.”
Learn more online at https://247restaurantequipment.com/