7 Secrets Behind Fedoroff's Roast Pork: Why NYC Raves About This Authentic South Philly Sandwich
The History and Vision of Dave & Stella Fedoroff
The story of Fedoroff's Roast Pork is a testament to passion and relentless dedication to a single, perfect sandwich. It's a tale of bringing a regional classic to a new metropolitan stage.
- Founders: Dave Fedoroff and Stella Fedoroff
- Concept: An homage to the classic South Philadelphia sandwich shops.
- Inception: Dave Fedoroff started with a stand at a fair in 2015.
- Opening Date: The first brick-and-mortar shop opened in November 2016.
- Current Location: 178 N 10th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY.
- Inspirations: The shop pays tribute to legendary Philly institutions, including John's Roast Pork, Philip's Steaks, Pat's, Genos, and Shank and Evelyn's.
- Early Hustle: In the early days, Dave and Stella had to carry hundreds of pounds of pork up the stairs and even stored a deep freezer with their inventory in their bedroom, highlighting their intense dedication to the craft.
The Seven Culinary Commandments of Fedoroff's Roast Pork
The magic of the Fedoroff's sandwich is not accidental; it is the result of a precise, time-consuming cooking process that honors the traditions of South Philly. These are the non-negotiable elements that define their signature dish.
1. The Staggering 14-Hour Slow-Roast
The cornerstone of the sandwich is the pork itself, a meticulously prepared pork shoulder. This is where Fedoroff's sets itself apart. The pork shoulder is subjected to a staggering 14-hour slow-roast. This extended cooking time is crucial, ensuring the meat is fall-apart tender, deeply flavorful, and retains all its precious juices. The slow-roasting process is the foundation upon which the entire sandwich is built, making the meat incredibly moist and succulent.
2. The Essential Trifecta: Sharp Provolone & Broccoli Rabe
A true Italian roast pork sandwich is incomplete without the perfect combination of toppings. Fedoroff's uses two non-negotiable ingredients: sharp provolone cheese and bitter broccoli rabe. The sharp, tangy bite of the provolone perfectly cuts through the richness of the slow-roasted pork. Meanwhile, the slightly bitter, garlicky broccoli rabe (or rapini) provides a crucial textural and flavor contrast, elevating the entire experience from a simple meat sandwich to a complex, balanced culinary masterpiece.
3. The Seeded Italian Roll Foundation
The vessel for the perfect sandwich is just as important as the filling. The entire experience would crumble without the right bread. Fedoroff's uses a sturdy, yet soft, seeded Italian roll. This type of bread is essential because it must be strong enough to absorb the copious amounts of pork drippings (or au jus) without immediately dissolving, yet soft enough to yield easily with every bite. The seeded crust adds a subtle, earthy flavor and satisfying crunch.
4. The Generous Dousing of Pork Drippings (Au Jus)
The secret weapon of any great Italian roast pork sandwich is the "gravy" or au jus—the flavorful liquid rendered from the 14-hour slow-roast. Before serving, the sliced pork is generously dipped or doused in these pork drippings. This step is non-negotiable, ensuring every strand of meat is saturated with the savory, herby essence of the long cooking process. It’s the final touch that guarantees maximum juiciness and flavor in every single bite.
5. An Authentic South Philly Menu Beyond the Pork
While the roast pork sandwich is the star, Fedoroff's topical authority is cemented by its full, authentic South Philly menu. This short but powerful menu ensures a focus on quality over quantity. Key items that draw a following include the classic Cheesesteak, the hearty Italian Hoagie, and the breakfast staple Pork Roll Egg and Cheese. They even feature unique regional specialties like Stella's Scrapple Egg and Cheese and the revered Sunday Gravy Sandwich, appealing to a wide range of East Coast comfort food enthusiasts.
6. The Commitment to Regional Sourcing and Quality
The authenticity is not just in the recipe, but in the ingredients and execution. Dave Fedoroff is known for his dedication to sourcing ingredients that replicate the Philadelphia experience as closely as possible, from the specific cut of pork shoulder to the quality of the provolone. The use of traditional ingredients like Scrapple, which is a Pennsylvania Dutch delicacy, further solidifies the shop's commitment to regional culinary heritage, setting it apart from generic sandwich shops in New York.
7. The Unwavering Consistency in a High-Volume City
In a city like New York, consistency is the ultimate secret weapon. Despite being a high-volume operation in the bustling Williamsburg neighborhood, Fedoroff's maintains the quality of its labor-intensive, 14-hour roast. Recent reviews from late 2025 consistently praise the food's quality and the perfect execution of orders, whether for pickup or delivery. This operational excellence is key to its lasting reputation and continued success, ensuring that every customer gets the same perfect bite of South Philly.
Fedoroff's Roast Pork: A Culinary Destination in Williamsburg
Fedoroff's Roast Pork is more than just a place to grab lunch; it is a culinary bridge connecting the classic flavors of South Philadelphia to the dynamic food scene of Brooklyn. The shop's success is a direct result of Dave and Stella Fedoroff's refusal to compromise on the time-honored techniques required for the perfect roast pork sandwich. The 14-hour slow-roast is a labor of love that you can taste in every tender, herb-infused slice of pork.
Whether you are a transplant craving a taste of home, a tourist seeking an authentic regional specialty, or a local food enthusiast, the experience at 178 N 10th St is a powerful reminder of how simple ingredients, when prepared with dedication and respect for tradition, can create something truly extraordinary. The next time you are in Williamsburg, make sure to try the signature sandwich—loaded with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe, and generously soaked in those savory pork drippings. It’s an authentic taste of Philly, perfected for NYC.
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