Philly’s iconic Pat’s Steaks reportedly pumps brakes on expansion near Penn State — for now
Pat’s Steak’s, the oldest cheesesteak restaurant in Philadelphia, is no longer planning for a new location in Happy Valley.
According to an interview with owner Frank Olivieri, published Monday in Philadelphia Magazine, he “simply reconsidered.” Olivieri was expected to partner with Rob Wasserman, who has restaurants in both Philadelphia (Burger Brawl) and State College (Big Dean’s Hot Chicken, Snap Custom Pizza).
Olivieri told the magazine there was “no bad blood or drama.” And the two hadn’t finalized any deals, nor signed any leases or contracts. According to Philly Mag, he said it was “a business decision that he made for a variety of reasons,” including focusing on major renovations that start in December at the original Philadelphia location.
Excitement around the potential opening of a second location, near Penn State, was short-lived. Philly Mag published an article earlier this month, where Olivieri first reported his plans for a Happy Valley location — and possibly, if it worked out, additional locations throughout the country.
It’s not entirely clear what all played a role in Olivieri’s change of heart. But he refused to extinguish all hope of a future restaurant in Happy Valley.
Philly Mag wrote he’s “not giving up on the idea of expansion — to Penn State or elsewhere — completely.” Now’s just not the right time, he said.
This story was originally published September 26, 2023 at 11:23 AM.
