PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pat’s King of Steaks is back slinging cheesesteaks from the counter for the first time since January. The iconic restaurant was operating out of a 40-foot-long truck across the street while the storefront underwent much-needed renovations.
“The last four months have been excruciating,” said Frank Olivieri, third-generation owner of Pat’s. “The building was probably built in the mid-1800s, so it’s come to the part where we’re actually standing and falling through the floor. So it was time to redo it.”
The kitchen now looks a lot different than when Tommy Francano started working there 45 years ago.
“It’s beautiful,” he gushed. “I just can’t wait to get in here. I can’t wait to get in that window and serve the first steak.”
Olivieri’s grandfather and great-uncle opened Pat’s in 1930. He wants to preserve that history and make sure the building is set for the future.
“We’ve been here for 94 years. We’re coming up on our 100th anniversary in six. So it’s something when we pass the torch along to the next generation or the next owner, it’ll last another 150-plus years,” he said.
“I’m probably the luckiest guy on Earth. I have a brand-new restaurant with a 94-year legacy to go along with it.”
And lucky for customers, there are a few new options on the menu, including chicken cheesesteaks, breakfast sandwiches and hashbrowns.