Roll-N-Roaster Brooklyn

Hey everyone, welcome back to *Brooklyn Echoes*, the podcast that keeps the borough’s legends and memories alive. I’m your host, Robert Henriksen.

Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up for a mouthwatering journey through Brooklyn’s culinary underbelly, where the scent of slow-roasted beef has been drawing crowds for over half a century. We’re talking about Roll-N-Roaster, the unassuming fast-food gem tucked away in Sheepshead Bay that’s more than just a sandwich shop—it’s a slice of New York nostalgia on a bun. If you’ve ever craved a roast beef sandwich that hits like a warm hug from your grandma, this is the story for you.

Picture Brooklyn in the late 1960s: bell-bottoms, disco on the horizon, and a guy named Buddy Lamonica with a dream. Born and raised in the borough, Buddy—also known as Bud—opened Roll-N-Roaster in July 1970 at 2901 Emmons Avenue, right by the water in Sheepshead Bay. It started as a family affair, with Buddy and his relatives slinging what he called “not so fast” food—quality eats prepared with care, but served quick enough for the working crowd. The name? A clever nod to the rolling waves nearby and the roasting magic happening inside. Back then, it was conceived as a drive-in spot: They’d roast the beef fresh, and the staff would “roll” it out to your car. No frills, just pure, hearty goodness.

What set Roll-N-Roaster apart from the get-go was its star: the roast beef sandwich. We’re not talking assembly-line slop here. Top-quality beef is slow-roasted throughout the day, sliced paper-thin while still hot, piled high on a fresh-baked kaiser roll, and drenched in natural pan gravy. You pick your doneness—rare, medium, or well—and for a buck or two extra, slap on some “cheez” (that’s their quirky spelling for melted cheese). Their motto? “You can have cheez on anything you pleez!” And boy, do people take them up on it. The menu’s expanded over the years but stays true to its roots: cheese fries that ooze golden goodness, crispy onion rings, burgers, chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads, and even sweet treats like homemade apple pie or frosted orange drinks. It’s comfort food dialed up to eleven, all made to order with that hometown vibe.

As the decades rolled on, Roll-N-Roaster became a Brooklyn institution. In the ’70s and ’80s, high school kids like my hypothetical mom would flock there after class for a beef-and-cheez fix, chatting under the neon lights that still glow today. The place even had a memorable jingle in old commercials—”Not so fast!”—belted out by local talent, embedding it in the collective memory of New Yorkers. Celebrities and media took notice too: It got shoutouts on the Jimmy Kimmel Show thanks to “Uncle Frank” Potenza, a regular who raved about it on air. Food critics from Thrillist to New York Magazine have hailed it as an exemplary fast-food spot done right, with no expansions beyond that single location—keeping it authentic and local. By 2020, they celebrated 50 years with fanfare, and in 2025, they’re marking 55 years strong, still family-operated and drawing folks from across the city and beyond.

Of course, no legend is without its quirks. The decor? Frozen in time with wood-paneled walls, Christmas lights year-round (they never take ’em down), and a retro sign that screams 1970s charm. It’s open crazy hours—till 1 or 2 a.m. most nights—making it a go-to for late-night munchies after a Knicks game or a stroll along the bay. Challenges? Sure, like any spot: The pandemic hit hard, but they bounced back with takeout and delivery. And while some yelp about long lines or the no-frills setup, loyalists swear it’s part of the appeal. Today, in December 2025, Roll-N-Roaster is thriving at 4.4 stars from over 5,000 reviews, affordable prices, and that same excellent service. They’ve even modernized a bit with online ordering, but the soul remains: Simply delicious food that feels like home.

So, whether you’re a Brooklyn native reminiscing or a tourist seeking the real deal, head to Emmons Avenue and grab a sandwich. It’s not just eats—it’s history on a plate. Thanks for tuning in; now go get your cheez on!

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