Fair Lawn, NJ – A devastating overnight blaze on Friday obliterated several well-loved businesses in a local strip mall. Among the affected establishments at the Fair Lawn Avenue location were Zadies Kosher Bake Shop, Green Dragon restaurant, Fair Lawn Road House, Flynn’s Barber Shop, Dream on Lash Salon, and Regency Cleaners. By Friday morning, the roofs of Green Dragon and adjacent businesses were charred and cratered.
“We’re going to rebuild and get better,” Anna Steinberg, owner of Zadies, told NorthJersey.com. “I feel bad for my customers who had orders.”
Doug Sadowski, the public information officer for the Fair Lawn Fire Department, reported that the fire started around 2:30 a.m. on Friday. Fridays are particularly hectic for Zadies Kosher Bake Shop, with employees working through the night to meet demand, according to Steinberg. Fortunately, everyone managed to escape unharmed.
Earlier this month, Zadies highlighted how July has been an unfortunate month for them, marking five years since a car crashed into their store.
“The community has been very supportive,” Steinberg said.
Green Dragon, a local fixture for about a decade, appeared to be the fire’s point of origin, though the precise cause remains under investigation. Sadowski noted that it took roughly an hour to control the blaze, with assistance from neighboring fire departments, including those from Paterson, Glen Rock, Elmwood Park, Paramus, and Saddle Brook.
Residents were quick to commend the benevolence and empathy of these businesses. Vicky Blum, a Fair Lawn resident, expressed her admiration for Zadies, Green Dragon, and Regency Cleaners, citing her familiarity with them.
“These people are the best,” Blum said. “[They’re] caring. We go all the time … they know your name. My heart breaks.”
Fair Lawn Mayor Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich expressed her sorrow over the incident.
“The Fair Lawn Borough and community are ready to support the businesses in any way necessary,” she posted on social media.
The fire was a shocking event for the employees. Samantha Rose and Saul Cantor, both of whom have worked at Zadies for about a decade, recounted their experiences. Rose, who was present at 3 a.m., described the fire as it tore through the roof and sent heavy smoke billowing from Green Dragon to Zadies. Cantor learned about the disaster early in the morning.
Rose, the manager, emphasized Zadies’ significant role in both the Jewish community and the broader area, noting their contributions to schools and their diverse range of custom and gluten-free options.

{Matzav.com}