At a Glance
- Frank P. Olivieri died at 87 on January 18.
- He led Pat’s King of Steaks for almost three decades.
- The restaurant, opened in 1930, remains a Philadelphia landmark.
Frank P. Olivieri, the longtime owner of Philadelphia’s iconic Pat’s King of Steaks, passed away on Sunday, January 18, at the age of 87. His death marks the end of an era for a restaurant that has been a staple of the city’s culinary scene for nearly a century. Olivieri’s life was intertwined with the family business, and his legacy continues through the generations that now run the famed cheesesteak spot.
A Legacy of Cheesesteaks
Frank Olivieri began working at the original stand when he was just 11 years old. He later chose to forgo a legal career at the University of Pennsylvania in order to support the family’s restaurant. In 1968, he and his father, Harry Olivieri, purchased the stand from Pat Olivieri, the original founder, and expanded the business into a 24-hour, 365-day operation.
Under Frank’s leadership, Pat’s King of Steaks grew from a beloved neighborhood institution into an internationally recognized landmark. The restaurant’s reputation earned it a place in popular culture, appearing in films and television shows such as Rocky, Mad Men, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Frank retired from day-to-day management in 1996, handing the reins to his son, Frank E. Olivieri-known to family and friends as Frankie-who has continued to run the business.
Family and Final Days
Frank Olivieri was receiving care for dementia in the days leading up to his death. His son, Frankie, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Frank was in good spirits and surrounded by family.
He is survived by:
- Wife: Ritamarie
- Son: Frank E. Olivieri (Frankie)
- Daughters: Danielle Olivieri and Leah Tartaglia
- Nine grandchildren: Julian Travaglia, Jade DelGiorno, Nicolette, Blake Olivieri, Vienna O’Brian, Joseph Tartaglia, Francesco Tartaglia, Haillie Marandola, and Stephanie Marandola
- Three great-grandchildren: Verona, Bray, and Luna Rose O’Brian
The family has requested donations to St. Maron Church in lieu of flowers for the memorial service scheduled for January 23.
Pat’s Impact on Philly Culture
Pat’s King of Steaks was founded in 1930 by Harry Olivieri and his uncle, Pat Olivieri. The pair initially sold hot dogs on the corner before switching to steak sandwiches, a move that would eventually lead to the creation of the Philadelphia cheesesteak. Frank’s obituary states that the restaurant “introduced the world to what became known as the Philadelphia cheesesteak.”
The rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s Steaks-opened across the street in 1966 by a former Pat’s employee-has long been a topic of local lore. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the feud is “overblown,” and Frankie and Geno Vento, the current owner of Geno’s, are friends.
Key Takeaways
| Milestone | Year | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Founding of Pat’s | 1930 | Harry and Pat Olivieri open stand, sell hot dogs then steak sandwiches |
| Purchase by Frank and Harry | 1968 | Transition to a 24-hour, 365-day restaurant |
| Frank’s retirement | 1996 | Frankie takes over operations |
| Frank’s death | January 18, 2025 | Age 87, dementia care |
Frank P. Olivieri’s life was defined by his commitment to family, community, and the culinary tradition that made Pat’s King of Steaks a Philadelphia institution. His passing is a moment of reflection for the city and for anyone who has shared a cheesesteak at the beloved counter.
