The Philly cheesesteak stands as one of America’s most iconic sandwiches, a beloved culinary creation that has transcended its humble origins to become a national treasure. This delicious combination of thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and a long crusty roll has a fascinating history that began in the streets of Philadelphia nearly a century ago.
The Birth of a Legend: Pat and Harry Olivieri
The invention of the Philly cheesesteak is credited to brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri, who were running a hot dog stand in South Philadelphia in the early 1930s. The story goes that in 1930, Pat Olivieri decided to try something different for lunch. He purchased some beef from a local butcher, sliced it thin, grilled it with some onions, and placed it on an Italian roll.
A passing cab driver caught the aroma of this sizzling creation and asked Pat if he could purchase one. After taking a bite, the cabbie suggested that Pat should forget about hot dogs and focus on selling these steak sandwiches instead. Word spread quickly among other cab drivers, and soon the brothers found themselves with a booming business centered around their new sandwich creation.
From Pat’s King of Steaks to Philadelphia Institution
In 1940, Pat opened Pat’s King of Steaks at the corner of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, a location that remains operational and iconic to this day. Initially, the sandwich was served without cheese – the “cheesesteak” as we know it wouldn’t emerge until years later.
According to popular accounts, one of Pat’s managers, Joe Lorenzo, was responsible for adding cheese to the sandwich in the 1940s. While Cheez Whiz is now considered the traditional cheese of choice by many, it wasn’t actually available until the 1950s. The earliest cheesesteaks likely featured provolone or American cheese.
The Cheesesteak Rivalry: Pat’s vs. Geno’s
No story about the Philly cheesesteak would be complete without mentioning the famous rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s Steaks. In 1966, Joey Vento opened Geno’s Steaks directly across the street from Pat’s, creating a competition that continues to divide cheesesteak enthusiasts to this day.
By 2025, these two establishments will have spent nearly 60 years competing for the title of Philadelphia’s best cheesesteak, with locals and tourists alike forming passionate opinions about which version reigns supreme.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Olivieri brothers’ creation has become much more than just a sandwich – it’s a cultural touchstone for Philadelphia and a culinary ambassador for the city worldwide. The cheesesteak has been featured in countless films, television shows, and books, and has become a must-try food for visitors to the City of Brotherly Love.
What began as a simple lunch innovation has evolved into a gastronomic institution that generates millions in tourism revenue for Philadelphia annually. Pat and Harry Olivieri didn’t just invent a sandwich; they created a lasting piece of American food culture that continues to bring people together over the shared experience of enjoying a perfectly crafted cheesesteak.
