Table Talk put $4M into new pie-making equipment
Sam Bonacci
Harry Kokkinis, longtime president of Table Talk Pies, at a groundbreaking ceremony
Table Talk Pies, a nearly century-old pie manufacturer located on Washington Street, is opening a third location on Southgate Street in the South Worcester Industrial Park later this month. The 50,000-square-foot facility will allow for the production of four million snack pies per week. More than 50 jobs will be added in addition to the 300 full-time and seasonal employees at the company's current 150,000-square-foot Washington Street location and another location in Shrewsbury. Harry Kokkinis, president of Table Talk Pies, sat down with the Worcester Business Journal to answer questions about the company's long history in Worcester and the company's exciting future.
What was the motive behind building the new facility?
Our rationale for the new facility started with the realization of the growth we have experienced in our business over the last several years. We have been fortunate to have our sales almost double within the last six years. We saw there was a need to expand.
Right now we have three production lines going for our four-inch pies. We wanted to get to a place where we had the capacity while also taking into account the growth we anticipate for the future. The great thing about the move to Southgate Street is it will also free up some time on our freezers at our original Washington St. location for our eight-inch pies, particularly for the approaching holiday season.
Will the current facility still be utilized?
Yes, most definitely. We will continue to create our eight-inch pies there as well as some four-inch pies. The two facilities will allow production to move at a more reasonable pace.
The company has been around for almost a century. How has it been able to sustain changes in the economy over that time period?
Throughout the history of the company, our commitment to quality has stayed the same. This was my grandfather’s focus. When asked what the most important product Table Talk makes, he would say quality.
Our commitment to quality has sustained us over the years. At the same time, we have tried to give our customers what they need. We saw a demand for our eight-inch as well as our four-inch pies and have invested money into the production. We are willing to put money back into our business.
How has the demand for snack pies changed over the years?
I credit my grandfather for creating junior pies. He wanted the junior pies to have the same quality of our eight-inch pies. We have seen an increase in demand for smaller portions and single servings. Mini pies are one of the fastest growing items in the bakery departments of supermarkets. The call for convenience and portion control continues to increase.
Has the company experienced any typical manufacturing challenges, like workforce shortages or an untrained workforce?
Manufacturing certainly has its challenges. Of course we have experienced challenges over the years. As we grow, we try to find the employees who are committed to our values and quality. We want people who want to work at our plant and are glad to be there. There is a strong workforce here in Worcester, and we have been able to find the quality people who have helped our company prosper. We feel committed to Worcester because of that.
Training is critical as well. We do have specialized equipment and specialized needs when it comes to food production. Pies are made with high quality and in a safe manner. We have worked with the Worcester Jobs Fund to put together a training program for new employees. We make sure employees have what it takes to be involved in food production. We have found the resources here in Worcester to help with that.
How has automation played a role in making pies?
For us automation is critical. We have always tried to make our pies in the most cost-effective manner. We focus on investing in special machinery to make pies. We produce 10,000 pies an hour on each pie machine. We are able to provide great tasting pie at a great price. We put $4 million into our equipment alone at our new, state-of-the-art pie plant at the industrial park.
The Table Talk retail store is back. When did the store close, what will be sold there and where will it be located?
We reopened the store in January of this year. It is located on Green St. in Worcester, nearby the old location of the store back in the '70s. Our company has gone through some ups and downs over the years, but some exciting things have been happening in Worcester’s redevelopment, and we thought this was a great time to reopen the store.
We sell pies and coffee, and it is a great place for people to come by and share their memories. We have a book available in the store where people write and share their stories. This always brings a smile to my face.
This interview was conducted and edited by WBJ Staff Writer Zachary Comeau.
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