FAIR LAWN, NJ — Zadie's bakery in Fair Lawn has reopened after a fire destroyed the premises two years ago. And even though the founder of the 21-year-old business, Larry Steinberg, died last month, his sons say his influence is felt at the new version of the shop.
"We thank everybody for the support while we were away, and we're super glad to be back," co-owner Ethan Steinberg told Patch on Wednesday. "The community has been very supportive since we've been back."
Zadie's — a kosher bake shop selling breads and desserts — opened in Fair Lawn in 2005, and was damaged by a fire in the shopping center in 2024. The fire started in a nearby Chinese restaurant, Ethan said, apparently due to a short circuit in the ceiling.
Over time, Zadie's had expanded on both sides, taking over a former accounting office on one side and hair salon on the other. After the fire, they had to find new space to sell their kosher challah, cookies, and cakes.
They soft opened last month at their new location on Promenade Blvd., Ethan said.
Larry Steinberg, his father, was able to watch news about the re-opening from his hospital bed, Ethan said.
Steinberg passed away days later, on April 29, at age 74. But Ethan said his dad's legacy will live on.
"When he opened, he sometimes worked 18-hour days," Ethan said. "We're grateful for foundation he laid. We want to be a bakery that people can adore and appreciate."
On Tuesday, the shop held a grand opening celebration with officials and community members, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer.
Ethan said that the shop has expanded its variety of artisanal breads, something his father had encouraged in order to keep up with the times. As with all products in the shop, the breads are kosher.
The shop sells traditional desserts, as well as holiday varieties of those desserts, such as blue-and-white cookies for Hanukkah.
Ethan said the spot is named after Larry's father, who is the kids' "Zadie," a Yiddish word for grandpa.
"A lot of these recipes come from our grandfather," Ethan said, "doctored up a little here and there."
Zadie's is now open at 2150 Promenade Blvd, Fair Lawn, and can be reached at 201-796-6565.
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