This Philly Cheesesteak Chain Brought Authentic Italian-American Sandwiches To The West Coast In The '90s - Tasting Table

"Owner Bob Levey is adamant that every single location brings a real slice of Philadelphia to its sandwiches, using authentic Amoroso rolls, the right kind of sweet peppers, and a healthy portion of pizza sauce shipped directly from the East Coast. The restaurants also stock a hearty supply of Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer, Herr's chips, and Tastykakes to sweeten the deal."

"Philly's Best earned a name for itself by introducing those gooey, tasty cheesesteaks from the East Coast to the other side of the country in the early '90s. It was a unique feat that changed the Southern California landscape and taught Westerners about the true origin of the Philly cheesesteak and its roots in Italian-American culture."

"Levey and his wife, Andrea, were both Philadelphia natives living in San Diego after Levey was stationed there in the Navy. The two missed many things about their hometown, most notably, its sandwiches. So, after Levey finished his military career and the pair moved to the West Coast, they took a chance and opened the first Philly's Best in Fountain Valley, California in 1992."

"Today, the chain has expanded to 20 locations throughout California and is often applauded for its authenticity. It even earned a spot on our list of eight chain restaurants serving the best cheesesteaks."

Philly’s Best brings Italian-American cheesesteaks from Philadelphia to California using location-specific authenticity. The chain earned recognition in the early 1990s for introducing gooey cheesesteaks to Southern California. Owner Bob Levey emphasizes that each location delivers a real slice of Philadelphia by using authentic Amoroso rolls, the right sweet peppers, and pizza sauce shipped from the East Coast. Restaurants also stock Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer, Herr’s chips, and Tastykakes. Bob Levey and his wife Andrea, both Philadelphia natives living in San Diego, opened the first location in Fountain Valley in 1992 after moving to the West Coast. The chain later expanded to 20 California locations and is frequently praised for authenticity.

Read at Tasting Table