Customer Threw Cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks Manager
The owner of the South Philadelphia establishment has offered a $5,000 reward to help police identify the customer.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Dining Out
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A customer attacked the general manager of Pat's King of Steaks by throwing a sandwich at him on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred after the individual labeled the food as garbage.
Why it matters
The business is seeking community assistance to identify the individual responsible for the assault. Video footage of the event has been turned over to the Philadelphia police as part of an active investigation.
Pat's King of Steaks has pledged a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The incident was recorded on video by the customer, who was carrying a tripod and camera.
The players
Frank Olivieri
Frank Olivieri is the owner of Pat's King of Steaks in South Philadelphia.
Pat's King of Steaks
Pat's King of Steaks is a well-known, long-standing cheesesteak restaurant located in South Philadelphia.
The details
The customer confronted staff at the South Philadelphia landmark before throwing the food at the manager. Frank Olivieri, the owner of the shop, reported the altercation to law enforcement to pursue charges against the individual.
Timeline
The incident occurred on the afternoon of September 30, 2026.
Culture Shift
This incident reflects a broader societal trend where high-profile businesses increasingly leverage social media and public rewards to resolve confrontations. Such actions align with the Philadelphia Police Department's public crime tip protocols, extending the reach of security efforts beyond traditional police work.
Residents and customers are encouraged to contact authorities if they recognize the individual from the video footage. This incident serves as a reminder of the heightened security measures now common at high-traffic landmarks in South Philadelphia.
The takeaway
Business owners in the city are increasingly turning to public reward programs to address incidents involving aggressive customers. Implementing such policies can deter future bad behavior while providing local police with the evidence needed to expedite investigations.
Further reading
For more on the local food scene, see our Dining Out section.
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