Posted on 09/25/2023 12:17:45 PM PDT by llevrok
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Customers are thrilled the original Jim's West Steaks & Hoagies in West Philadelphia is back in business, and they formed a line around the building.
"I'm so excited," said Nitah Dunham from West Philadelphia. "The food has always been good."
"In my opinion, it's the best cheesesteak in town," said William King from West Philadelphia.
But now, customers can expect to see armed agents out front.
"The violence has spiked," said Co-owner Cortez Johnson. "It goes up and down. You want people to feel safe and be safe. So when they come out and eat, they don't have to worry about no type of harm."
"Our lines are down the block, so while you're standing here in line, connecting with other people you may not know, we have security right here just to keep you guys safe," said Saul Landers, the CFO of Jim's West.
The owners hope the presence of armed agents prevents crimes.
"It's not just myself," said Kevon Darden, who owns Presidential Protection Services. "It's usually other agents who are sworn and certified by the state of Pennsylvania to do security work when they're off duty. All of us are former military, police, and law enforcement background."
The armed agents will be there during business hours Thursday through Sunday.
Other business owners hired armed guards too, including the Karco Gas Station in North Philadelphia.
"If you want to secure your business and you want to make sure everyone is safe, you have to spend that extra money," said Landers.
Some customers say they support the enhanced security.
"Safety and good food is always a plus," said Dunham.
"If it deters it (crime), I can't complain," said Mario Maiale from West Philadelphia. "I'm not a big fan of guns, but I get it."
Others think it's not necessary outside of Jim's West and say it's an alarming sight.
"Now North Philly, where that gas station is, where the guy is out there with a machine gun, I can understand that," said King. "Here, it's a little overkill. Even if you have an armed guard, okay. But, walking around with a machine gun, it's not family-friendly."
"I'm here to protect you," said Darden. "I'm not here to cause any trouble or be that guy with a rifle."
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I had to stay in a hotel in downtown Newark on business years ago....
At first I was shocked by the security guard holding a large rifle in the lobby.
On reflection I decided it was very reassuring.
Biden’s world - you need armed guards to go out for a bite.
What's lower in the pecking order than a mall cop?
Philly cheesesteak cop.
One of the most enjoyable meals of one’s life was at Jim’s.
There are security guards in lots of grocery stores in some areas these days. Insane.
True. They are toilet bowl scum.
Question: What happens if the perps are in a protected class with special privilege? Lawyers are always available for the perps, and so are rent a mobs as in Portland, Charlottesville and Ferguson.
And what if after they get out of jail free they come back to with reinforcements to fight?
Will it be two sides or just one?
https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/06/politics/conservative-antifa-protests-restaurant/index.html
IKR!
Filthedelphia keeps on showing what terrific policies, and billions of dollars, has given back to the community.
Can’t you feel the love?!
“I’m not a big fan of guns, but I get it.”
Get what? the need for guns for safety? Why do you keep voting for the same types of idiots then?
DeleSandros in Roxburough.
The should just hire the mafia and be done with it.
Crime would be at zero in one day...
Baggi’s in Hammonton
Sounds like Johannesburg, South Africa. Philadelphia is a failed city.
https://www.youtube.com/live/ERUD_zZov-I?si=50qr8BfXgg0uMpz3
I believe it is not in the best interest of either the state or the individual to incapacitate oneself. It is, however, in the best interest of powerful Democrats.
Armed guards at retail stores must make those 30 million illegals feel right at home.
Nothing quite says “Enjoy your cheesesteak” like an armed guard sitting with you at your table.
Go to Baglini in Hammonton at least once a week. Sausage Pepper and Onion sub might beat their Cheese Steak Sub. They put enough meat in it that you can make two subs out of them.
I grew up in Newark before all of that. I was in California in the summer of 1967, and there was a news break-in to roller skating match, showing the riots. “Hey!” I said. “That’s Springfield Avenue!.
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