Larry Palant (1969)

Sad day for Paramus.  Stopped by there today around noon.  Line was around the block.  Looked like around 300 people there.  Many fond memories of going there after football games and band concerts (sometimes Jahn's also). Many of the '69 graduates met there the night before our 50th reunion 2 years ago.  Great to see everyone.

That spot happens to be the best location on all of rt 17. You can get to it from both sides of the highway without having to go down 17 to the next overpass and turn around.  One of only 2 locations within the loop of the 1/2 cloverleaf on all of 17.  Will miss it.

Stacey Ann Cleenput (Vitacco) (1982)

We were up in N.J two weeks ago for a family reunion, and one of the first plans we made is to go to The Fireplace.We are so glad we went there before it closed. What a sad day for us all, you will be sorely missed  So many of our childhood memories are disapearing, very upsetting to see this happen. 

Bill Lev (1973)

Goodbye old friend. I started working at the FP the summer between my sophomore and junior years. 50 years ago this summer. I learned about working, people, respondibilty, saving money (for college). I also started a life-long passion for grilled Taylor pork roll with a sluce of melted cheese in top. In the past years the food may have  changed- they switched from charcoal briquettes to gas flames years ago. 

Sally Gellert (1972)

Thanks for the link to the great gallery of Record photos!  

Truly the end of an era; I remember going with my family—even my grandparents, it was the only restaurant where my grandfather, a butcher, would eat a hamburger.  I remember going when my sister was an infant, my parents carried her in an “infant seat”.  Later she probably used one of the kid’s tables; I probably did when young, but I don’t remember it.  Standard order: cheeseburger, rare, and fries; usually a shake, always pickles!  Dad got Dutch Apple ice cream, Mom got Peach.

Most recently, I hosted a meeting there on a Sunday afternoon, not long before the pandemic, people working to get Bergen County to buy voting machines with hand-marked paper ballots.  Also after reopening one or two lunches.

Andrew Anderson (1966)

We lived about a mile away on Reid Way. I remember the rustic wood furniture and the bowls of pickles. You could eat all the pickles you want! After a basketball game, the crowd in front of the counter extended out the doors. You had to work your way up to the front to yell your order to one of the hustling folks behind the counter.  What tasty burgers and fries!

Much later, I would have breakfast there with my son or daughter after early Saturday morning swim practice at the Ridgewood YMCA. Great breakfasts and swimmers can sure pack away lots of omelets and fixings.

Andy Anderson '66

Raymond Wahl (1970)

Great place to hang out while skipping church on Sundays with Benny the Ball (Mike Petronella) using his mom's big station wagon. Then heading back, all nice and tidy! Still  some of the best Taylor Ham and Cheese sandwiches just to take the Saturday night edge off LOL. Long, long time since I have been in Paramus.

Richard Kane (1962)

What a great place for the classmates of class of 62. On some Sats we would get together & talk about old times but also get updates on our lives. It kept our memories alive, Miss you FP. Richie Kane 62

Diane Seelinger (DenBleyker) (1966)

Fond memories of the Fireplace. We went there after football games and later on after the movies, with my boyfriends.  We took our kids there, as well, when we were in Paramus.  Most recently we were there when we traveled up to Paramus to visit friends. We will miss the Fireplace and the good times.