96 Years: The Age of the Philadelphia Cheesesteak
A 1930 lunch experiment on a hot dog cart in South Philadelphia evolved into a city-wide institution, with cheese added a decade later.
By Allison Singh ·
The sandwich that defines Philadelphia was born in 1930 from a simple lunch decision on a street corner.
Pat Olivieri, an Italian-American brother running a hot dog and fish cake cart near the Italian Market, wanted a change from his usual fare. He sent his brother Harry to a local butcher to buy beef scraps. Pat chopped the meat, grilled it with onions, and placed it in a hot dog bun. A cab driver stopped by the smell, purchased the sandwich, and suggested the brothers sell it. Pat opened Pat’s King of Steaks on Passyunk Avenue. The original recipe contained no cheese.
The addition of cheese did not happen until the 1940s. Cocky Joe Lorenza, a manager at the shop, decided to place slices of provolone on the beef. This change created the dish known as the cheesesteak. The recipe changed again in the 1950s with the introduction of Cheez Whiz. The liquid cheese melted quickly into the bread, speeding up service. Cheez Whiz remains the most popular topping at the original locations, though provolone and American cheese are also common.
The sandwich gained widespread popularity by the 1960s. In 1966, Joey Vento opened Geno’s Steaks across the street from Pat’s. Both restaurants operate around the clock. The two establishments developed a well-known rivalry that turned their shared intersection into a popular destination. Locals often cite other neighborhood spots as the best places to eat. Angelo's Pizzeria in South Philadelphia, Dalessandro’s Steaks in Roxborough, Jim’s South St., and John's Roast Pork are frequently mentioned by residents.
The standard construction of the sandwich has remained consistent despite new toppings. The meat is typically chopped or sliced ribeye beef cooked on an oiled grill. The bread is a torpedo roll with a firm crust. Customers order the sandwich with or without fried onions. Shops now offer variations such as chicken, pizza steaks with marinara and mozzarella, and hoagies with lettuce and tomato. Common additions include green peppers, mushrooms, and hot cherry peppers.
Source: WTXF-TV
