Pat's King of Steaks: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Philly041907-002-PatsKingofSteaks.jpg|thumb|275px|Pat's Steaks at dusk]] |
[[Image:Philly041907-002-PatsKingofSteaks.jpg|thumb|275px|Pat's Steaks at dusk]] |
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[[Image:PatsSteaks.jpg|right|thumb|275px|Late night diners crowded in front of Pat's Steaks]] |
[[Image:PatsSteaks.jpg|right|thumb|275px|Late night diners crowded in front of Pat's Steaks]] |
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'''Pat's King of Steaks''' (also known as '''Pat's Steaks''') is a [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]] [[restaurant]] located |
'''Pat's King of Steaks''' (also known as '''Pat's Steaks''') is a [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]] [[restaurant]] located at the intersection of 9th Street, Wharton & Passyunk Avenues in south Philadelphia, diagonally across the street from [[Geno's Steaks]]. |
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There is no indoor seating for the public. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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{{contradict-other|Cheesesteak}} <!--- date first added cheese ---> |
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Pat's King of Steaks was founded by [[Pat Olivieri]] in [[1930]]. He was joined in the business by his younger brother [[Harry Olivieri]]. Pat Olivieri claims to be the originator of the [[sandwich]] most people associate with the city of Philadelphia, the [[cheesesteak]]. |
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Pat's King of Steaks was founded by [[Pat Olivieri|Pat]] and [[Harry Olivieri]] in [[1930]]. The brothers are generally credited as the 1933 co-creators of the [[Philly Cheesesteak]].<ref name="Frank on NPR">[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5573992 NPR Interview with Frank Olivieri "Harry Olivieri, Philly Cheesesteak King, Dies"]</ref><ref name="Harry's Obit">[http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/22/us/22olivieri.html?_r=1&oref=slogin ''New York Times'', "Harry Olivieri, 90, Co-Inventor of Cheese Steak in Philadelphia, Dies" July 22, 2006 retrieved July 25, 2006]</ref><ref name="Pat's website">[http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/ Pat's King of Steaks official website.]</ref> |
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In 1930, the brothers opened a [[hot dog]] stall at the corners of 9th Street, Wharton and Passyunk Avenues.<ref name="Pat's website"/> |
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Originally a [[hot dog]] vendor, Olivieri told the story that he decided one day for his own lunch to use chopped-up [[steak]] bits instead of a normal wiener. At the suggestion of a cab driver who sampled and enjoyed the new sandwich, he opened Pat's Steaks to sell steak sandwiches. The Olivieri family still owns the establishment. |
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In 1933, as the family relates the story, the brothers were working their stand when they decided to try something different for lunch. Pat Olivieri sent Harry Olivieri to the market for some inexpensive steak. The brothers thinly sliced the steak, then grilled it along with some chopped onions. The aroma attracted a cabdriver who was a regular customer; he asked to try the dish which the brothers called a [[cheesesteak|steak sandwich]]. Pat sold him the sandwich for ten cents.<ref>{{Citation |
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The innovation of adding [[cheese]] is claimed by rival [[Geno's Steaks]], which opened across the street in [[1966]]. The rivalry between the two establishments has gained public attention and fueled debates over who serves a better cheesesteak. |
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| last =Sims |
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| first =Gayle Ronan |
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| last2 = |
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| first2 = |
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| author2-link = |
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| title =Obituary: Harry M. Olivieri / Philadelphia cheesesteak's co-creator |
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| journal =Philadelphia Inquirer |
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| volume = |
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| issue = |
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| pages = |
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| date =July 22, 2006 |
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| year =2006 |
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| url = |
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| id = }}</ref> |
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Soon after the brothers started selling steak sandwiches instead of hot dogs. By 1940, they had saved enough to rent space to open a restaurant at the same spot that they had their stand. The two brothers worked at the restaurant for 15 to 18 hours a day for the next few decades while the restaurant was open 24 hours a day. Harry worked at the [[Philadelphia Naval Yard]] during World War II before returning to the restaurant. |
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Cheez Whiz<ref>[[The New York Times]], 1985, op. cit.</ref> was introduced at Pat's in 1952. Pat's also offers [[Provolone cheese|Provolone]] or [[American cheese|American]] cheese. |
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By the 1950's, there were other businesses in the area selling similar steak sandwiches. Long-time competitor [[Geno's Steaks]] claimed they were the first to add cheese to the recipe, though Harry's son, Frank, claims he first added [[Cheese Whiz]] in the 1960's.{{cn}}<!--- |
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==Ordering technique== |
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Steak orders are often given as simple commands, an ordering method the establishment prefers. Typical orders consist of two or three words per steak and it is improper to order anything but a steak at the first window. Fries and drinks are served at the second window. |
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The first word specifies the cheese wanted for the steak: American, Provolone, Whiz (for Cheez Whiz), Plain (for no cheese) or Pizza (steaks with cheese and pizza sauce). |
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See "Cheese Contradict" on the talk page. |
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The second word indicates if the steak should be made with or without fried onions, customers often saying it as "wit" or "wit-out." |
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This ordering format contradicts the posted rules, which instruct that the onion preference be made first. But typical orders are: "Whiz wit," "American wit-out," and not the other way around. |
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--> The two restaurants, located diagonally across from each, became cultural and culinary landmarks. |
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Customers who want mushrooms or peppers on their steaks submit orders as, for example, "American mushroom wit" or "mushroom American wit." Pizza steaks will be made with Cheez Whiz unless ordered as "Pizza American" or "Pizza provolone." |
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After pulling back from expansion and franchising efforts in the 1980s, the business was divided up by the Olivieri family. Harry and his son kept the original location, today run by Harry's grandson, Frank Jr. Pat's son Herbert opened "Olivieri's Prince of Steaks", later to be the source of a family dispute (see below). |
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Regardless, the last word is almost always "wit" or "wit-out." For non-standard toppings such as lettuce or tomatoes (sometimes called a steak hoagie), a common order would be "Whiz wit, with lettuce and tomato." |
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The cashier often expects to be handed money as the order is placed. Customers also typically step slightly to the left after paying, since the cashier makes change while already taking the order of the next customer. |
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Pat's King of Steaks is the original shop opened by Pasquale "Pat" Olivieri and his brother, Harry. Harry's grandson, Frank, owns Pat's. Pat's grandson, Rick, owns Rick's Original Philly Steaks at [[Reading Terminal Market]]. |
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Unless a large order was placed, the cook or a third person working the main window usually provides the steak within seconds, a notable feature of Pat's when compared to its cross-city rivals. |
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Pat's son, Herbert (Rick's father), expanded the business by opening franchises of Pat's King of Steaks. In the 1980's, the Olivieris split up the business. Harry and Frank Sr. kept the original location, Herbert ("King" Pat's son) opened Olivieri's Prince of Steaks in Reading Terminal Market. Herbert's son Rick renamed it "Rick's" in the mid-1990s, still using the crown logo and mentioning his grandfather, Pat Olivieri.[http://www.individual.com/story.php?story=69423141] |
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Pat's offers one size of both fries and drinks. Cheese fries consist of a healthy dollop of Cheez Whiz, though they do have "extra cheese fries," and pizza fries add pizza sauce. Plastic forks are provided. |
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In [[October 2006]], Pat's sued Rick's, alleging trademark infringement, trademark dilution and unfair competition, based on the use of the crown logo and the name "Pat Olivieri".[http://news.findlaw.com/cnn/docs/ip/patsricks101606cmp.html] |
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==Beverage selection== |
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Pat's serves [[Pepsi]] products after a long affiliation with [[Coca-Cola]] (pictures at the [http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/ Pat's King of Steaks website] are outdated). One notable beverage selection is a unique and popular "Cherry" soft drink, different than [[Pepsi Wild Cherry]] (also available). |
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| ⚫ | The suit was settled in [[August 2007]]. Terms were not disclosed. Frank Olivieri Jr. said he was "happy with the settlement and I'm sure my cousin Rick is as well." Rick Olivieri told the newspaper "It's an agreement we can both live with. Everybody is happy."[http://www.individual.com/story.php?story=69423141] |
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==Prices== |
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Menu prices at the official Web site are outdated. As of [[June 11]], [[2007]], prices are: plain steak ($6.50), cheese steak ($7), cheese steak with mushrooms ($7.50), cheese steak with peppers ($7.50), pizza steak ($7.50), soda ($1.50), french fries ($2.50) and cheese fries ($3.50). |
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In [[October 2006]], Pat's operator Frank Olivieri Jr. sued another Philadelphia steak shop, Rick's Steaks, run by his cousin Rick Olivieri. The lawsuit was prompted after a significant gain in notoriety by Rick's after opening a location at [[Citizens Bank Park]] in 2006 (taking over a spot [[Geno's Steaks]] abandoned after two seasons). |
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In 1981, Herbert Olivieri opened "Olivieri's Prince of Steaks" inside Philadelphia's [[Reading Terminal Market]]. Son Rick Olivieri took over in 1995 and changed the name to Rick's. In a separate development, Rick Olivieri was informed in [[July 2007]] by Market officials that his lease was not being renewed in favor of bringing in another popular sandwich joint, Tony Luke's (which also has a stand at Citizens Bank Park). Rick's still operates at the Market as the two sides have sued each other regarding the eviction. The dispute remains unresolved. |
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==Trivia== |
==Trivia== |
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{{cite web| last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url = http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075148/locations | title = "Filming Locations for Rocky" | format = | work = | pages = | publisher = Internet Movie Database | accessdate = 2006-05-31 | accessyear =}}</ref> |
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*In an early episode of ''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]]'' (season 1, episode 5), [[Will Smith]]'s character (also Will Smith) says Pat's has the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. |
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*Featured on the [[Public Broadcasting System|PBS]] special ''[[Sandwiches That You Will Like]]''. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/ Pat's King of Steaks website] |
*[http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/ Pat's King of Steaks website] |
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*[http://www.fortune.com/fortune/smallbusiness/articles/0,15114,455236,00.html Fortune magazine story on Pat's and Geno's] |
*[http://www.fortune.com/fortune/smallbusiness/articles/0,15114,455236,00.html Fortune magazine story on Pat's and Geno's] |
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*[http://www.markshields.com/pats-genos-cheesesteaks-philly-philadelphia.shtml An opinion on the relative merits of Pat's and Geno's] |
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{{Geolinks-US-buildingscale|39.933175|-75.159238}} |
{{Geolinks-US-buildingscale|39.933175|-75.159238}} |
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Revision as of 20:55, 4 January 2008
Pat's King of Steaks (also known as Pat's Steaks) is a Philadelphia restaurant located at the intersection of 9th Street, Wharton & Passyunk Avenues in south Philadelphia, diagonally across the street from Geno's Steaks.
History
 | This article appears to contradict the article Cheesesteak. |
Pat's King of Steaks was founded by Pat and Harry Olivieri in 1930. The brothers are generally credited as the 1933 co-creators of the Philly Cheesesteak.[1][2][3]
In 1930, the brothers opened a hot dog stall at the corners of 9th Street, Wharton and Passyunk Avenues.[3]
In 1933, as the family relates the story, the brothers were working their stand when they decided to try something different for lunch. Pat Olivieri sent Harry Olivieri to the market for some inexpensive steak. The brothers thinly sliced the steak, then grilled it along with some chopped onions. The aroma attracted a cabdriver who was a regular customer; he asked to try the dish which the brothers called a steak sandwich. Pat sold him the sandwich for ten cents.[4]
Soon after the brothers started selling steak sandwiches instead of hot dogs. By 1940, they had saved enough to rent space to open a restaurant at the same spot that they had their stand. The two brothers worked at the restaurant for 15 to 18 hours a day for the next few decades while the restaurant was open 24 hours a day. Harry worked at the Philadelphia Naval Yard during World War II before returning to the restaurant.
By the 1950's, there were other businesses in the area selling similar steak sandwiches. Long-time competitor Geno's Steaks claimed they were the first to add cheese to the recipe, though Harry's son, Frank, claims he first added Cheese Whiz in the 1960's.[citation needed] The two restaurants, located diagonally across from each, became cultural and culinary landmarks.
After pulling back from expansion and franchising efforts in the 1980s, the business was divided up by the Olivieri family. Harry and his son kept the original location, today run by Harry's grandson, Frank Jr. Pat's son Herbert opened "Olivieri's Prince of Steaks", later to be the source of a family dispute (see below).
Olivieri family feud
Pat's King of Steaks is the original shop opened by Pasquale "Pat" Olivieri and his brother, Harry. Harry's grandson, Frank, owns Pat's. Pat's grandson, Rick, owns Rick's Original Philly Steaks at Reading Terminal Market.
Pat's son, Herbert (Rick's father), expanded the business by opening franchises of Pat's King of Steaks. In the 1980's, the Olivieris split up the business. Harry and Frank Sr. kept the original location, Herbert ("King" Pat's son) opened Olivieri's Prince of Steaks in Reading Terminal Market. Herbert's son Rick renamed it "Rick's" in the mid-1990s, still using the crown logo and mentioning his grandfather, Pat Olivieri.[1]
In October 2006, Pat's sued Rick's, alleging trademark infringement, trademark dilution and unfair competition, based on the use of the crown logo and the name "Pat Olivieri".[2]
The suit was settled in August 2007. Terms were not disclosed. Frank Olivieri Jr. said he was "happy with the settlement and I'm sure my cousin Rick is as well." Rick Olivieri told the newspaper "It's an agreement we can both live with. Everybody is happy."[3]
Trivia
- A brief scene from the 1976 movie Rocky was filmed here. A plaque on the ground near the "fries" window marks the spot.
See also
External links
Template:Geolinks-US-buildingscale
References
- ^ NPR Interview with Frank Olivieri "Harry Olivieri, Philly Cheesesteak King, Dies"
- ^ New York Times, "Harry Olivieri, 90, Co-Inventor of Cheese Steak in Philadelphia, Dies" July 22, 2006 retrieved July 25, 2006
- ^ a b Pat's King of Steaks official website.
- ^ Sims, Gayle Ronan (July 22, 2006), "Obituary: Harry M. Olivieri / Philadelphia cheesesteak's co-creator", Philadelphia Inquirer
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)