This weekend, the owner of Pat’s King of Steaks was seen behind the counter at a New York sandwich shop. Frank Olivieri, who runs the longstanding cheesesteak spot on Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia, made the trip as part of a lost wager.
Last month, Olivieri bet that the 76ers would prevail over the Knicks in the NBA playoffs. After the Knicks’ series victory, Olivieri agreed to work a public shift in New York City — while wearing a shirt reading 'Philly Sucks.' The terms were settled with New York counterpart Paulie Giannone, of Paulie Gee’s in Greenpoint.
On Saturday, lunchtime customers at Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop in Brooklyn snapped photos of Olivieri taking orders and assembling sandwiches. Some asked for his opinion on the Knicks’ odds in the Finals. Others just wanted to talk cheesesteaks. “If they beat the Sixers, they should definitely win the Finals,” Olivieri told one group, referencing his earlier remarks.
The wager drew notice among basketball fans and sandwich regulars alike. Giannone said the bet was all in good fun, adding, “It’s about the game, but it’s also about bridging cities with food.”
Olivieri returned to Philadelphia after the shift. He said he expects to keep the focus on cheesesteaks, not basketball, at his shop for the rest of the season.