Philly Cheese Steaks Started In A Hot Dog Restaurant

• The Olivieri brothers, Pat and Harry, originally operated a hot dog and sandwich stand in the 1930s in Philadelphia. Steak sandwiches were not a part of the original menu. Instead, one day Pat and Harry decided to make a steak sandwich for themselves for lunch using onions. A customer who was a cab driver came in and when he noticed what they were cooking asked to have one. The first Philly cheese steak served by the Olivieris had no cheese and was sold for a nickel.

Pat's King Of Steaks Opens

• Pat's King Of Steaks restaurant was opened at 1237 East Passyunk Ave. in Philadelphia by the Olivieri brothers in 1940. The restaurant is still open at its original location and operates 24 hours a day. Lines are frequently out the door at lunch time during the week and regularly on the weekends.

The Cheese Arrives

• The sandwich was originally prepared without cheese. Olivieri claims cheese was first added by a manager at the Ridge Avenue location. His name was Joe "Cocky Joe" Lorenza and the first cheese he added was provolone."

Competition Enters The Picture

• Pat's King of Steaks received competition in the Philly cheese steak business from another restaurant known as Geno's Steaks in 1966, owned by Joe Vento. Geno's Steaks is at Ninth and Passyunk in Philadelphia, and just like Pat's King of Steaks is open 24 hours a day.

Family Tradition

• Both Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks are still operated by the family members of the original businessmen. Pat's King of Steaks is owned and operated by Frankie Olivieri along with his wife Maria. Joe Vento still operates Geno's Steaks along with his son Geno Vento.

Pat's and Geno's Steaks have a highly publicized rivalry. They are located across the street from each other on 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia.Cheesesteaks have become popular throughout the city with many locations being independently owned family run businesses.Variations of cheesesteaks are now common in different fast food chains.Versions of the sandwich can also be found in locations ranging from bars to high end restaurants