Harry Olivieri

Harry Olivieri

Harry Olivieri
Born	(1926-12-21)December 21, 1926 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	January 11, 2006(2006-01-11) (aged 79) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation	Restaurateur
Known for	Co-creator of the Philly cheesesteak

Harry Olivieri (December 21, 1926 – January 11, 2006) was an American restaurateur and the co-creator of the famous Philly cheesesteak sandwich.

Early life and career

Harry Olivieri was born on December 21, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a family of Italian immigrants who owned a small sandwich shop in South Philadelphia. Olivieri started working at the family business at a young age, learning the art of sandwich-making and customer service.

In the 1930s, Olivieri and his brother, Pat Olivieri, decided to experiment with their sandwiches by adding grilled beef and onions. This innovative combination became the foundation of what would later be known as the Philly cheesesteak.

Co-creation of the Philly cheesesteak

In 1933, Harry and Pat Olivieri opened their own sandwich shop, Pat's King of Steaks, in South Philadelphia. They began serving their signature sandwich, the Philly cheesesteak, which quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike.

The sandwich consisted of thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all served on a long roll. It became an instant hit and soon became a staple of Philadelphia cuisine.

Legacy and impact

Harry Olivieri's contribution to the culinary world cannot be overstated. The Philly cheesesteak, co-created by Olivieri, has become an iconic American sandwich and a symbol of Philadelphia's food culture.

Today, numerous restaurants in Philadelphia and around the world serve their own versions of the Philly cheesesteak, each with its own twist on the classic recipe. The sandwich has also inspired various spin-offs and adaptations, such as vegetarian and chicken cheesesteaks.