Frank P. Olivieri, who ran the popular South Philadelphia eatery and tourist spot, Pat’s King of Steaks, for several decades, has passed away at the age of 87, writes Michael Klein for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Olivieri was the nephew and son of the inventor of the iconic Philadelphia sandwich.
According to his son, Frank E. Olivieri — who has run Pat’s King of Steaks since 1996 after the elder Olivieri’s retirement — his late father had been under care for dementia.
In the early 1930s, Oliveri’s father, Harry, and uncle, Pasquale “Pat,” started selling hot dogs for a nickel. Upon getting tired of hot dogs, they bought a loaf of Italian bread and some steaks. They then sliced them up and placed them onto a grill.
“Pretty soon, they forgot all about the hot dogs and did nothing but steaks,” Olivieri said in a 1982 interview.
Olivieri started working at the stand when he was 11. Years later, he turned down the chance to become an attorney, and instead opted to go into the family business.
Olivieri is survived by his wife of 65 years, two daughters, 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
His viewing is on Friday, January 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Baldi Funeral Home.
Read more about the life, career, and legacy of the late Frank P. Olivieri at The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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