KENMORE, N.Y. (WKBW) — We made it to another Fish Fry Friday! This week we’re talking about the beer battered fish fry from Frank’s Gourmet Hot Dogs, which is seeing huge success just one week into the Lenten season.
"For us, we have it down pretty efficiently and we’re able to deliver pretty much 500 fish fries a week now,” said Paul Tripi, Owner.
They start taking orders on Monday and usually sell out by Thursday. Because of the pandemic, they’re limited to takeout only, but despite that, they’re already seeing huge success just two weeks into Lent.
"It’s pretty much what we’ve been used to working on a food truck for the last 7 years," said Tripi.
They get fresh cod delivered every Friday morning and all of the sides and sauces are made in house by their small team of five.
To get your hands on an order, you have to pre-order as early as you can by calling (716) 322-5933. Fish fry orders are $15.99. Franks is open Monday-Saturday, 12-8pm.
This is a huge time for businesses, but it's also important for local fire companies. The Evans Center Volunteer Fire Company relies on their annual fish fry to buy new equipment.
"When we don’t raise the money for the equipment that’s needed, it hurts the community,” said Rosa Butnin, Treasurer of the Evans Center Ladies Auxiliary.
The annual fish fry always goes over well, but when the pandemic hit last year, they had to stop their fish fry, cutting their biggest fundraiser short. This year, it’s back for takeout only.
They sell battered or broiled fish, with all of your favorite sides.
They hope they can make back that money they missed out on.
“The fire company’s always looking to improve equipment, it's a necessity. We raise money to get that equipment," said Butnin.
So far, they’ve seen a great turnout and they’re hoping that continues through the rest of the season.
If you want to help out, they ask that you call 716-549-1221 and order ahead to keep crowds small. Each fish fry is $12.
You can pick up your fish fry at the fire company on Fridays from 4-7pm, Evans Center VFC#1, 8298 Erie Rd.
