‘Geno’s Steaks celebrated their 50th Anniversary on Saturday October 1, 2016 with a block party complete with cotton candy, popcorn, entertainment and of course their iconic cheese steaks. Opened in 1966 by his dad Joey Vento with a couple of hot dogs, some steaks and $6, the South Philly cheesesteak staple is now run by his son, Geno Vento, the namesake of the eatery, even though Geno’s is 5 years away from being 50.
Nearly 1,000 people stopped by through out the 6 hour celebration including Tony Luke, Jr and Frank Olivieri, Pat’s Steaks, where he handed out checks to various charitable organization including Morris Animal Refuge, The Philadelphia Police Foundation, Local 22 Widows Fund, FOP Lodge, Coaches vs Cancer, and Santino’s Dragons.
I grabbed a cheese steak with a visiting friend last week, and I noticed the controversial sign to speak English only when ordering was gone. There are new signs where that sign used to reside, and it says Cash Only. When I was at the anniversary party, Geno’s peeps told me the sign was removed before the DNC as they didn’t want to offend anyone.
and I love the new branding, done by Steve Rosen, Managing Director at ab+c Creative Intelligence
Marc Summers was MC for the day. Check out the Philly.com article on his breakthrough show “Double Dare” who is celebrating
an anniversary of it’s own today. (Source)
There was a lot of love for these guys, especially from Brownie and Laura Burkhardt
Not only is the sign gone, but “rivals” Tony Luke, Jr and Pat’s Steaks Owner Frank Olivieri
Came by to express their wishes on the 50th Anniversary.
There were lots of family fun at the celebration
Thanks to Neff & Assocs’, Geno’s PR for helping me get all the shots I needed.
Then Fletcher Cox held a meet and greet with fans, as OPS Security kept close watch
