Special Delivery for Poppy & Claro

When Poppy & Claro opened its doors in downtown San Jose on October 16, the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Matt Mahan marked more than the launch of a new dining destination—it celebrated a space where design, sustainability, and local craftsmanship converge. At the heart of this vibrant restaurant sits a show-stopping centerpiece: a live-edge Douglas fir table sourced and installed by our very own Pivot team.

This table is more than furniture; it’s a piece of history. The wood came from tight-grained, old-growth Douglas fir reclaimed from a structure built in the 1950s. After decades in storage, the material was given new life through careful milling and selection. Layers of old paint were stripped away to reveal the natural beauty beneath, and the best pieces were chosen to create a surface that feels both timeless and contemporary. The finished table weighs between 600 and 800 pounds, with a top slab of roughly 400–500 pounds and two sturdy bases at about 150 pounds each. Moving it into place required a coordinated effort from our Fremont installation team – a testament to their dedication and teamwork.

The design itself honors the organic character of the wood. The live edge runs the full length of the table, maintaining its natural contours while pairing with clean, minimal bases that let the grain shine. It’s a bold yet inviting presence, anchoring the restaurant’s communal dining experience and complementing Poppy & Claro’s warm, modern aesthetic. 

Today, the live-edge table at Poppy & Claro stands as a symbol of what’s possible when design meets intention. Guests don’t just dine; they experience a piece of Northern California’s heritage, transformed into a modern centerpiece that will host countless conversations and memories.

For Pivot, this project reflects a core value: sustainability through local sourcing. By reclaiming wood instead of using new lumber, we reduced waste, minimized transportation emissions, and supported a circular economy. This approach aligns with our broader commitment to sustainable design, where we regularly source unique, locally crafted pieces to bring character and purpose to our clients’ spaces. It’s about creating environments that are beautiful, functional, and responsible—spaces that tell a story.