Iconic Cheesesteak Shop's Former Owner Dies

PHILADELPHIA — The former owner of an iconic cheesesteak restaurant has died.

Frank P. Olivieri, 87, died Saturday. He was the longtime owner and steward of Pat’s King of Steak.

The restaurant announced the Olivieri's death on social media Monday.

He was the son of Harry Olivieri and the nephew of Pat Olivieri, the original owners of Pat’s King of Steaks.

"Frank worked at the shop from the late 1950s, eventually becoming co-owner in 1968, before retiring in 1996, when his son and current owner Frankie Olivieri Jr. began carrying on the family business," his obituary reads. "Frank, like Harry and Pat before him, was a true original who helped forge the origins of Pat’s for nearly a half of a century."

A viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday at Baldi Funeral Home, 1327–29 South Broad Street in Philadelphia.

A prayer service and memorial tributes will begin at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made in Olivieri's name and memory to St. Maron Church, 1010 Ellsworth Street, in Philadelphia.