Editing Genos Steaks (section)

=== Founding ===

Geno's Steaks was founded in '''1966''' by '''Joey Vento''' (1939-2011), who grew up in South Philadelphia. Joey's father, James Vento, was a boxer and steel worker who opened a small neighborhood store that sold various items including hoagies. Joey worked in the store as a young man before eventually opening his own business.<ref name="philly-mag">{{cite web |url=https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/genos-steaks-joey-vento-obituary/ |title=Joey Vento: 1939-2011 |publisher=Philadelphia Magazine |date=August 24, 2011 |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

Joey started Geno's with just $6 in his pocket and two boxes of steaks. He chose the location at 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue strategically—directly across from the already-famous Pat's King of Steaks. By setting up in direct competition with the shop credited with inventing the cheesesteak, Joey declared his intention to make the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia.