Editing Cheesesteaks (section)

== History ==

=== Invention (1930) ===

'''Pat Olivieri''' invented the cheesesteak in '''1930''':

'''The origin story:'''
* Pat operated a hot dog stand in South Philadelphia
* One day, grilled some sliced beef on a roll
* A cab driver noticed and asked for one
* Word spread; beef sandwiches became the specialty

Initially, there was '''no cheese'''—just meat and onions.

=== Adding Cheese (1940s) ===

Cheese was added to the sandwich in the '''1940s''':

'''Accounts vary:'''
* Some credit Pat's with adding provolone
* Others credit a manager at Pat's
* The addition transformed the sandwich
* "Cheesesteak" became the name

=== The Rise of Geno's (1966) ===

'''Joey Vento''' opened [[Geno's Steaks]] in '''1966''':

* Located directly across from Pat's
* Established the famous rivalry
* Competition drove excellence
* Both became destinations

=== National Fame ===

By the late 20th century, cheesesteaks achieved national recognition:

'''Milestones:'''
* Food media discovery
* Presidential campaign visits
* Films and television
* Global awareness