October 01, 2016
The iconic Geno's Steaks is celebrating its 50th birthday in true Philly fashion Saturday.
Opened in 1966 by Joey Vento with a couple of hot dogs, some steaks and $6, the South Philly cheesesteak staple is now taken over by his son, Geno Vento.
In a recent interview on PHL17, Geno Vento said that in honor of the five decades in business, the restaurant will give away $50,000 to local charities in Philadelphia.
"I'm just very blessed and to be around for 50 years and to be giving back and everything," he said during the interview.
Charities took to Twitter Saturday to thank Geno's, including Coaches vs. Cancer – a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches – as well as the Philadelphia Police Foundation. Both organizations received $10,000 each.
Famous faces also showed up to the event, including Philadelphia Eagles player Fletcher Cox. The Food Network and Nickelodeon's Marc Summers was the event's celebrity MC. The carnival-themed event, which ends at 6 p.m., also featured music and games.
One big #cheesesteakfamily! Thanks to our friends @tonylukejr and @PatsSteaks for coming out to support #Genos50th pic.twitter.com/P4SLfQVepx
— Geno's Steaks (@genossteaks) October 1, 2016
Very special thanks to @PPFpretzels for this awesome Happy #Genos50th wish! pic.twitter.com/ApEOHvOUYV
— Geno's Steaks (@genossteaks) October 1, 2016
A big thank you to @fcoxx_91 for joining us during #Genos50th on behalf @PPFtheforce pic.twitter.com/7OSJPv7aux
— Geno's Steaks (@genossteaks) October 1, 2016
Congratulations @genossteaks on 50 years! Today was a blast! pic.twitter.com/M0yH0CabqD
— Jeremy Hall (@fivefootlife) October 1, 2016
Saturday's celebration certainly isn't the only time that Geno's has been in the spotlight. Weeks ago, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump came out to grab a cheesesteak.
Geno's was also the center of controversy years ago for its "Speak English" sign. It was Joey Vento's dying wish to keep the sign up, though Geno Vento did not share the same "polarizing views his Father was famous for."
Joey Vento died of a heart attack in 2011.
