Our Story

Terra Nova Woodfired Pizza and Grill was founded in June of 2021, but its conception dates back over a decade.

Chef/owner John McLaughlin is a  Wyndmoor resident who has been cooking professionally since the age of 19. He was first exposed to wood fired pizzamaking in 2004 as a sous chef at Rembrandt’s in Fairmount and immediately loved it.  The light, crispy crust, the perfectly browned cheese and toppings, and a cooking style both pure and elemental.

Over the next two decades, John continued his culinary journey, growing as a chef and a pizzaiolo.  He worked with wood fired ovens at three more stops along the way and also honed his craft at home, cooking pizza on a stone in his oven every week for family and friends.

Somewhere along the way the seeds for this little shop were planted and the idea grew and evolved through the years.  There was trial and error; blood, sweat and tears… three separate attempts to start this business died on the vine.  But he believed in the concept and pushed on.

And here it is!  Terra Nova is a new kind of pizzeria for the new world, where old traditions are honored and new ones forged.  While there are definitely a few tricks up its sleeve, at its core Terra Nova is committed to providing cuisine that is fresh, delicious, well-crafted and prepared with integrity.  Come taste the love!