It's always exciting when a new store comes to town. From electronic super stores to discounted home goods, a grand opening of a popular brand usually drives eager shoppers out in flocks.
I could say the same was true when family-owned Fairway Market brought its legendary NYC market to Paramus New Jersey. To say there was a crowd is putting it lightly. When the Governor of New Jersey (Jon Corzine) and all local officials come out to speak in support of a business, you know it's something special. I should know: I was there on opening day.
Now Fairway Paramus is over 6 months old and the Glickberg family, who have been in business for 4 generations, couldn't be more pleased with the decision to come to New Jersey.
“There is always some anxiety involved when opening a new store, but the reception we have received in Paramus has been phenomenal and we have hit a home run, “ said Dan Glickberg, 4th generation owner. “We know Fairway is a beloved New York icon and we hoped New Jerseyans would appreciate all the things we offer that has make us so successful for so many years. I am very pleased to say they have and we are thrilled to be in the Garden State.”
What's even more endearing about the nearly 70 year old family operated store is the loyal employees, some of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years. One employee had his first job with Fairway 35 years ago and then returned ten years ago as GM in New York. Meet David Serrano, the new General Manager of Fairway Paramus. Here is what David had to say about his 2nd family-Fairway Market:
Q: I understand you have been at Fairway for a number of years. Can you tell me about your first job at Fairway? How long have you been with the company?My very first Fairway job was at the original Broadway and 74th Street store where I worked setting up produce. That was way back in 1974. About ten years ago I rejoined Fairway Market – the Broadway and 74th Street store, again – bringing my career full circle. I served as that store’s General Manager for three years, followed by three years as the GM of our Plainview, Long Island location.
When Fairway decided to renovate and open a new store in the Civil War-era waterfront warehouse in Red Hook, Brooklyn, I literally became involved “from the ground up.” One of my proudest accomplishments at Fairway, so far, has been helping bring the Red Hook store to life during my four years there as General Manager. Now I’ve joined the Paramus Fairway family and I’m really excited about working with our New Jersey customers as we gear up for the holiday season.
Q: Fairway is a family-owned business but is definitely growing! What is different about a family-owned supermarket vs the larger chains?
No one, but no one, cares more about a business and its customers than the people who built it. At Fairway, hands-on management and personal commitment is practically in our DNA. Four generations of Glickbergs have shared their passion for food with generations of Fairway customers, providing them with an abundant array of the freshest, highest quality, most delicious food anywhere - and all at great prices.
Q: What kind of feedback have you gotten from customers and the local Paramus officials about Fairway? I was at the grand opening and saw the excitement first hand!
Since opening in March, we’ve found Fairway’s New Jersey customers are just as passionate about food as we are and incredibly loyal – they rely on us for the best and we never want to disappoint them. More and more people have discovered that Fairway Paramus has everything under one roof. Now, they don’t have to drive all over to find competitive prices and an amazing variety of the things they want AND need.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories with Fairway?
New York in the Spring; sidewalk displays of beautiful produce; the sense of neighborhood that exists at all our stores and talking to customers who have become part of the Fairway family.
Q: How do you get involved with the surrounding community?
Fairway has a long-standing tradition of becoming a part of the vital fabric of its community and Paramus is no exception. We’re neighbors who participate in local events, support community initiatives and provide jobs in the area.
Q: When people hear Fairway, what do you want them to think?
Unbelievably good food from every corner of the world; excellent quality, diversity and customer service each time they visit.
Visit Fairway Paramus at the Fashion Center Mall on Rte. 17 North or online at www.fairwaymarket.com. You can now follow them on Twitter, @FairwayMarket and catch Dan and fellow Fairway food expert Michell London live at 5pm on Chanel 4's "LX NY."
