The cheesesteak, a beloved American sandwich, has its roots deeply embedded in the culinary culture of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known for its combination of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and a crusty roll, the cheesesteak is more than just a regional favorite—it’s a symbol of Philly pride and a staple of comfort food across the United States. Fresh Works Woodhaven is your headquarters for cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. Our fresh baked rolls add a great dimension to this Philly staple.

The origin story of the cheesesteak dates back to the early 1930s. According to popular lore, it was created by Pat Olivieri, a South Philadelphia hot dog vendor. One day, looking for a change from his usual offerings, Pat decided to cook some thinly sliced beef on his hot dog grill and placed it on an Italian roll. As the story goes, a passing cab driver smelled the sizzling meat and asked for one of his own. Soon, word spread about this new kind of sandwich, and it gained popularity quickly. Pat eventually opened up a shop—Pat’s King of Steaks—at 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, where it still stands today.

Originally, the sandwich did not include cheese. That innovation is credited to Pat’s manager, Joe “Cocky Joe” Lorenza, who added provolone cheese in the 1940s, cementing the modern cheesesteak as we know it. Since then, cheese options have expanded to include Cheez Whiz, American, Cooper Sharp and mozzarella, sparking endless debates among cheesesteak aficionados about the “right” way to eat one.

Another major player in the history of the cheesesteak is Geno’s Steaks, founded in 1966 by Joey Vento directly across the street from Pat’s. The two shops became friendly rivals, helping to define the South Philly cheesesteak experience. For locals and tourists alike, trying both Pat’s and Geno’s has become a rite of passage.

Over the decades, the cheesesteak has expanded far beyond Philadelphia. It can now be found in restaurants and food trucks across the country and even internationally. Still, purists maintain that an authentic Philly cheesesteak must be made with ribeye steak, served on a hoagie roll (ideally from Amoroso’s Baking Company), and topped with the cheese of choice—along with optional fried onions, peppers, or mushrooms.

The sandwich has also seen numerous creative reinterpretations. From cheesesteak egg rolls to pizzas and even vegan variations, chefs and home cooks alike have taken inspiration from the original to create new twists on the classic. Despite the variations, the core elements remain unmistakable: savory beef, melty cheese, and a hearty roll.

Today, the cheesesteak stands as a proud emblem of Philadelphia’s working-class roots and immigrant heritage. It represents the fusion of Italian-American cuisine with the no-nonsense attitude of a city that’s never shy about its passions—especially when it comes to food. Whether you’re a local ordering “Whiz wit” (with Cheez Whiz and onions) or a first-timer trying to get the lingo down, the cheesesteak remains a delicious slice of Americana.