Any restaurant that serves subs, or hoagies, is likely to have the Philly cheesesteak topping their list. This is a sandwich that starts with a generous portion of rib-eye beef, topped with melted cheese. Fried onions, peppers, and mushrooms are popular toppings and lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo are often added as compliment. While we know this particular hoagie originated in Philadelphia, PA, here’s a more in-depth look at its history.

When Was the Philly Cheesesteak Invented?

The modern form of the Philly cheesesteak is the result of years of improvisation among rival restaurants. It started in the 1930s at Pat’s King of Steaks restaurant, which was little more than a neighborhood hot dog stand in the early days of Philadelphia’s Italian market. For his lunch on one particular day, Pat cooked up some rib-eye meat and fried some onions, throwing the concoction together on a hot dog roll. Smelling the meat, customers began ordering this special sandwich, leading Pat to add the item to his menu. 416 Diner will put it’s Philly Cheesesteak up against any other on the market; we’ll win hands down.

How has the Philly Cheesesteak Evolved Over the Years? 

It wasn’t until a rival diner, Geno’s Steaks, opened its doors that Pat’s invention started to change. Looking for a way to spice up the sandwich led each competitor to add a variety of ingredients to their steak hoagies. Even so, it’s still unknown who deserves the credit for adding cheese to the now world-renowned Philly cheesesteak. Some say one of Pat’s employees, Joey Lorenzo, added provolone cheese to his steak hoagie, leading to the cheesesteak craze. Others say Geno’s was the first to add cheese to the publicly offered steak sandwiches. Either way, cheese had become an integral part of the Philly steak sub by the 1960s.

Whether you’re looking for a Philly Cheesesteak for a nice brunch, or as a finisher to your late night, 416 Diner in Dayton, OH, can meet your needs. Their friendly staff is eager to serve you into the late evening hours on Friday and Saturday, and you can customize your Philly Cheesesteak to meet your dietary needs. If you like to arrive prepared to order, you can look at their menu online, or you can speak directly with their staff by calling (937) 461-0416.