Josh Scalamogna knew his team had to act fast if the fish fry tradition would continue this year at Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department in Plum.
Several fire departments and churches throughout Allegheny County have canceled their fish fries because of increased costs and supply chain issues.
“We secured our supplies several months in advance to beat the rush due to the high demand,” said Scalamogna, second assistant chief. “We knew this year with shortages coming and price increases, we went ahead and got with our vendor and were able to beat the rush. Prices have gone up due to increases in material.”
Planning meetings that typically take place in December were moved up to September, and calls to suppliers began in early October.
“Earlier planning to secure the product (and) prepaying in advance, putting our money out upfront (made the difference),” Scalamogna said.
Volunteers also contributed, as is tradition, with various sides and specialties, resulting in a menu that includes fresh hand-breaded fish, crabcakes, homemade haluski, macaroni and cheese, pierogies, and a plethora of desserts.
Fish dinners went up $1 compared with last year to help offset rising costs, but Scalamogna said the rest of the prices are the same.
“We only pass on where needed,” he said. “We’re eating more costs instead of passing it on to the customer.”
The department’s efforts did not go unnoticed, as more people have turned out so far this month than in previous starts. Holiday Park had its largest Ash Wednesday crowd in history, with more than 700 people served.
Fish fries at the fire department started in 1987. The station’s average is around 500 people at the start of Lent.
“Word’s getting out about our fish, and some areas not having fish fries so other people are willing to try other fish,” Scalamogna said about turnout. “We have definitely noticed a lot of new customers as well as many regulars. Everything’s good.
“We’re trying to make due with the staffing we have. Staffing is limited during the day. It’s when people can get off work and come down and help. We gradually make changes over the years to where we come up with a smooth assembly line process to minimize waits as much as possible.”
Its success continued into March 4 with a line out the door for dinner. Audrey and Tom Glunt were among those at the station that evening, feasting and catching up with friends.
“We’re from Plum and we support our Plum people,” Audrey Glunt said. “It’s our fire department. If we don’t have fire (protection) and if you don’t support them, then who’s going to (respond)?”
Tom Glunt said they have supported the Holiday Park fish fry for years, and the food has been delicious every time except one year when they switched suppliers.
More than 5,000 pounds of fish are expected to be served by Good Friday.
Scalamogna said no monetary goals were set for the fish fry, which is expected to cover about a third of the cost of the year to run the entire volunteer department.
“We appreciate everyone’s business,” Scalamogna said. “This is a much-needed event that our department, as well as other departments need. It supports a lot of our bills and overhead. Without the support of the local customer we woulnd’t have an event to help the community.”
Lunch is takeout only. There is limited seating available during dinner. Local deliveries are also available for orders $20 and above.
