Teams Of 'Bravest' Compete In Fairway Firefighter's Food Face-off At Fairway Market In Paramus, New Jersey

In lieu of helmets, hoses, and axes, New Jersey’s bravest will instead don aprons, barbecue tongs, and basting brushes when they compete in Fairway’s Firefighters Food Face-Off, a grilling “throwdown” that will pit several of New Jersey’s firehouses against one another to prove which one’s barbecue is best, on Wednesday, August 18 at noon in the parking lot behind Fairway’s Paramus store location, Fashion Center Mall on Route 17 in North Paramus, NJ. (RAIN OR SHINE)

The firefighters will compete to cook their tastiest ribs, burgers, and other barbecue fare, in addition to a final dish for which they must incorporate a secret ingredient that will only be unveiled once the contest has begun. A panel of judges, including Paramus Mayor James J. Tedesco III, Mel Fabrikant, Editor-in-Chief of the Paramus Post, Susan Sherrill, Food Editor of 201 magazine, and Fairway’s own Master Butcher, Ray Venezia, will determine the winner.

The winning firehouse will not only receive bragging rights for the next year—that is, until the 2nd annual Paramus Face-Off—but also the opportunity to name the charity of its choice to benefit from Fairway’s “NJFD Shopping Day,” which the Paramus store will host on behalf of the winning team’s favorite charity. All proceeds from this day of shopping will go toward the Firehouse’s charity of choice.

Participating Firehouses are: River Edge Volunteer Fire Department, Park Ridge Fire Department, and Elmwood Park Fire Department, Engine Co. # 2.

Fairway has a long-standing commitment to firefighters. Its history of supporting fire departments in New York and New Jersey was exemplified in the months following September 11, 2001, when Fairway supplied food for local firehouses throughout the search and clean-up process. Fairway also supports the FDNY Foundation, the official not-for-profit established by the FDNY to promote Fire Safety and foster professional development, training, and education of members of the FDNY, and the Nassau County Firefighters Museum among others. Fairway also offers firefighters and their families a special shopping discount at each of its six locations to show its support and thanks.