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The Route 17 burger joint announced in a Facebook post Thursday that July 30 would be its last day open after 65 years in business.
Nearly 500 people stopped by the iconic eatery, some ready to say their goodbyes, others hoping that the news wasn't true.
"My family is so sad to hear this," one longtime customer wrote on The Fireplace's Facebook announcement.
"We have dined at The Fireplace on many a Friday evening over many years. The Fireplace is a Bergen County institution and will be sorely missed by so many. Is there any way, you could reconsider your closing?"
More than $3,700 had been raised on a GoFundMe as of Friday afternoon launched by a local resident in an effort to keep The Fireplace afloat.
"We cannot let our neighbors down, and this is precisely what The Fireplace is - a spot for friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy," Dave Brown writes.
"This restaurant is cherished by so many, and we owe it to future generations to keep their doors open and not let the economic pressures from COVID-19 take it away from us."
"There are people all over the USA like me, who grew up in Bergen County and loved The Fireplace," another Facebook user said.
"My parents and grandparents loved The Fireplace. Nobody wlll be happy to hear this. Thank you for the food and memories, and good luck."
Customers had from 11:30 a.m. until food ran out.
** To share a memory or footage from Friday, email clevine@dailyvoice.com **
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