Rochester Pastrami Sandwich Earned National Recognition
The USA TODAY list of the nation's best sandwiches highlighted a local vendor at the Rochester Public Market.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in American Cuisine
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USA TODAY named a pastrami sandwich sold by Fare Game one of the top sandwiches in the country. The accolade was part of a national ranking released on September 25, 2026.
Why it matters
The recognition brings national attention to a staple Rochester food vendor. It highlights the local impact of the Rochester Public Market on the city's culinary scene.
Fare Game is located in the B shed at the Rochester Public Market, where owner Barry Kucker has sold meats for nearly 25 years. The shop serves its award-winning pastrami sandwiches on rye bread with mustard and pickles.
The players
Barry Kucker
He is the proprietor of Fare Game and has been a meat vendor at the Rochester Public Market for nearly 25 years.
USA TODAY
This is a national daily newspaper that publishes rankings and reports on various aspects of American culture and food.
The details
Vendor Barry Kucker hand-carves the pastrami to order after steaming the meat in a pot. The product is sourced from a deli meat company based in Detroit before being served to customers at the market.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: USA TODAY published the list of top sandwiches.
Saturdays: Fare Game sells its pastrami sandwiches from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until supplies run out.
Culture Shift
This accolade reflects a broader trend where regional street markets and small-scale vendors are increasingly validated by national media outlets. It signals a shift toward celebrating hyper-local food craftsmanship in the American culinary landscape.
Local residents and visitors can purchase the sandwich at the Rochester Public Market on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Customers should plan to arrive early, as sales are limited by the supply on hand each week.
The takeaway
Securing a spot on a national list highlights the potential for small market vendors to gain broader acclaim. Local diners are encouraged to support these established artisans to help maintain the unique character of the Rochester food market.
Further reading
Learn more about the local food scene in our American Cuisine section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Democrat and Chronicle.
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