The History and Origin of the Cheesesteak Sandwich

When it comes to iconic American sandwiches, the cheesesteak ranks high on the list. This beloved sandwich has become a staple in the culinary landscape of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where it originated. Let's delve into the history and origin of the cheesesteak sandwich.

The Early Years

The history of the cheesesteak sandwich can be traced back to the 1930s. Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in South Philadelphia, decided to try something different for lunch one day. He grilled some beef and placed it on an Italian roll. A passing cab driver caught a whiff of the delicious aroma and asked Olivieri to make one for him. The cab driver loved it so much that he spread the word to his friends, and soon, Olivieri was selling his new creation to a growing number of customers.

The Rise to Fame

It wasn’t until Pat’s younger brother Harry Olivieri joined him in the business that the cheesesteak sandwich began to gain widespread popularity. The two brothers decided to open a restaurant called Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philadelphia, where they served their famous cheesesteaks to hungry customers. The restaurant quickly became a local favorite, and the cheesesteak sandwich became a symbol of Philadelphia cuisine.

The Perfect Recipe

The perfect cheesesteak sandwich consists of thinly sliced ribeye steak, cooked on a flat-top grill, and topped with melted cheese (usually Cheez Whiz, American, or provolone), served on a long, crusty roll. Some people like to add sautéed onions or sweet peppers to their sandwich for extra flavor.

The Great Debate

The cheesesteak sandwich has sparked a debate among Philadelphians about where to find the best cheesesteak in the city. The most famous rivalry is between Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, which are located across the street from each other in South Philadelphia. Both restaurants claim to have invented the original cheesesteak sandwich, but regardless of who came up with the idea first, they both serve delicious versions of this iconic sandwich.

The cheesesteak sandwich has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a simple lunchtime snack. Today, it’s an American classic, beloved by people all over the country. Whether you like yours with or without onions, with Cheez Whiz or provolone, there’s no denying that the cheesesteak sandwich is one of the tastiest and most satisfying sandwiches around.

Pick up one of our cheesesteaks!