Harry Olivieri

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Harry M. Olivieri (born 1916 - died July 20, 2006) was an American restauranteur. He is credited, along with his brother, Pat Olivieri, as the creator of the Philly Cheesesteak. The brothers opened Pat's King of Steaks in 1940, one of the best known purveyors of steak sandwiches in Philadelphia.

1 Early life
2 Pat's King of Steaks
3 Popularity of the cheesesteak
4 References
5 Footnotes

[edit] Early life

Olivieri was born in South Philadelphia to Italian parents Michael and Maria Olivieri. The family returned to Italy when he was three, returning to Philadelphia four years later. He attended Southwark School before leaving to work as a carpenter ([1]).

[edit] Pat's King of Steaks

In 1930, he opened a hot dog stall with his older brother Pat Olivieri at the corners of 9th Street, Wharton and Passyunk Avenues. [2] The brothers ran the restaurant while holding down others jobs; Harry worked as a carpenter, while Pat made sleds.

In 1933, as the story goes, 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. [1] 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 similarsteak 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. The two restaurants, located diagonally across from each, became cultural and culinary landmarks. Politicians found the location to be good for photo ops, though John Kerry fell afoul of tradition when he ordered his steak with swiss cheese.

In 1970, Pat Olivieri retired to southern California after a family dispute; he died in 1974. Pat's son Herbert Olivieri disputed ownership of the business with Harry Olivieri and his children, Frank Olivieri and Maria Olivieri.

Harry Olivieri had a heart attack in 1972 and retired from day to day management. He still visited the business for a few hours each day to meet and greet the customers. Son Frank Olivieri eventually bought out his father, sister and cousin, and now runs the business. [2] Harry Olivieri married Anna DeLuca in 1936; they had two children.

In the last few years of his life, he lived with his daughter in Brigantine, New Jersey. He died in Pomona, New Jersey.

[edit] Popularity of the cheesesteak

Over the decades, Pat's King of Steaks developed a national reputation thanks to celebrity patronage. Frank Sinatra was a fan of their steak sandwiches and would often send an assistant to pick up an order. [3] Fabian and Bobby Rydell were local entertainers who patronised Pat's King of Steaks. [4] Sylvester Stallone can be seen eating a steak sandwich at Pat's in the original Rocky. Don Rickles often mentioned Pat's when appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Philadelphia native Will Smith referred to the restaurant on the The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. [5]