Traditionally, visitors to the mecca of cheesesteaks at 9th and Passyunk have been treated to let’s just say not the friendliest customer service.  You have to understand, Pat’s Steaks and Geno’s Steaks sell thousands of steaks a day.  On a Saturday night, after a Phillies-Red Sox game, a big concert or two, with some nice weather, thousands of patrons will head on down to the Cheesesteak Warzone.  So you the speed in which you order becomes paramount.  Ordering is fairly simple.  But you have to get it down.  Cheese first, then tell whether you want onions or not.  You want a Cheeseteak with Provolone and Onions?  “It’s Provolone Wit”  Or simply “Provy Wit”.  Simplicity is key. 

So it comes as NO surprise that those who do not speak the language, could shake some chains, so to speak.  But for one of the owners of the cheesesteak places, Joe Vento of Geno’s Steaks, he’s decided to stand at the forefront of the nation’s immigration battle and the ONE language for all cause, in the oddest of places.  In South Philly.  America’s Birthplace’s favorite food, is the main battleground for Immigration!  Who would have thunk it!  New Mexico? Texas?  California?  No the real battles are fought for a someslabs of meat and cheese on a roll, that may or may not contain onions.  Again, that is up to you.  As long as you speak the language.

Last year Geno’s Steaks got in the middle of the hoopla by putting up a sign that says: “This is America.  Speak English When Ordering.”  That sign is still there.  And Vento has no problem with in.  In fact, he says there are some customers who are supporting his views.

We here at CheesesteakGuru have enjoyed Geno’s steaks.  Although, I have not purchased one from Geno’s since a New Years Eve a few years ago.  The fact that I vomited outside the Wyndham Franklin Plaza later that night, not withstanding.  I also had a wonderful Geno’s steak a couple years ago when Citizens Bank Park first opened.  It really was very good.  But you may or may not see a review of Geno’s for a while.  Not while that sign is up. 

 We have so many problems in the world.  And someone speaking Spanish is NOT one of them.  Be part of the solution, not the problem.