Born in Philly
Built in the Bay
Keith and Kathy Layton didn’t set out to start a business—they just missed the taste of home.
Back in 1982, the two East Coast transplants opened the first Cheese Steak Shop in San Francisco with one mission: to bring the real-deal, Philly-style sandwich to the West Coast. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just hot, messy perfection on an Amoroso roll—flown in straight from Philly.
Word spread fast. Turns out, Bay Area locals knew a good thing when they tasted it. And after more than 40 years, we’re still here doing what we do best: making your cheesesteak fresh to order, just the way you want it. “Wit or witout” onions, with white American, Provolone, or our award-winning Cheddar Cheese Sauce, loaded with hot or sweet peppers, or made with chicken or veggies instead of steak—it’s your sandwich, your way. Always grilled fresh. Always served the “Real Philly” way.
In 2018, longtime food pros Dana Huie and Tony Bendana took the reins, bringing with them over 80 years of combined experience—and a deep respect for what the Laytons built. They kept the spirit of the shop alive: the flat-top sizzle, the fresh ingredients, the no-nonsense quality. And they doubled down on authenticity. Today, we still fly in Amoroso rolls from Philadelphia, stock real Tastykakes for the homesick, and keep every sandwich rooted in the flavors that started it all.
We may be West Coast based, but we’ll always be Philly at heart.
