STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Quick-service eateries of the borough are celebrated each Friday on the SILive.com/Advance Facebook page. At 11:30 a.m. from a select fast food restaurant, the live broadcast offers peeks into busy kitchens as workers amp up for lunch.
The detail and handy-work will offer a new appreciation for some of Staten Island’s fast food realm. While the end-product might be a grab-and-go for the guest, it’s can be multi-step process for the cooks at the back-of-the-house.
Here are three enjoyable spots we visited in the past few weeks with some exciting, behind-the-scenes look into how signature items are made.
Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.
Chik-fil-A — at the Staten Island Mall food court; Chik-fil-A.com
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday at 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for breakfast; closes at 7 p.m. daily except Friday and Saturday which is 7:45 p.m.
On the fifth birthday of Staten Island’s Chick-fil-A — Wednesday, Sept. 27 — owner Roosevelt Board will give away 500 free sandwiches, first come-first serve. For the months of October and November, the restaurant will give away gift cards in conjunction with the American Cancer Society. Year round, NYPD and FDNY get 50% discounts. Current and past military receive a 20% discount year round.
Listen and watch the video to learn about Board’s journey so far in the restaurant business.
Wetzels Pretzels — 1 Richmond Terr., St. George; at the Empire Outlets just off of the Staten Island Ferry
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
This chain started in Redondo Beach, CA in 1994, the brainchild of entrepreneurs Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel. As the latter gentleman’s name suggests, “pretzel” and “Wetzel” had a perfect affinity.
St. George’s venue delivers through various platforms around the borough. But if you do find yourself in the ferry vicinity, say ‘hello’ to Jamil and Noiyeem, chief pretzel makers who live in the neighborhood. Hand-rolled goodness includes pepperoni-and-cheese pretzels plus the signature dough wrapped around hot dogs.
Ronnie’s Sandwich Shop — 432 Forest Ave., West Brighton; 718-841-9647, Ronniessandwichshoppe.com
Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
We always like to include a mom-and-pop business in the fast food lineup. Ronnie’s second location on the North Shore fits the bill with carefully layered sandwiches on Brooklyn baked bread.
A small hero is around $12 and a large runs about $16. Food is made to order and comes with house-made cole slaw and macaroni salad. Soft drinks are additional. There are two tables outside to savor a sub. By the way, its flagship store is Ronnie’s at 2300 Hylan Blvd., open for breakfast, lunch and Wednesday through Friday dinner called “Ronnie’s Corner.”
Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.
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