English Only at Philly Cheesesteak Joint

Washington Times ^ | 6-8-06 | PATRICK WALTERS

[JZelle]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Bistec con queso? Not at Geno's Steaks.

An English-only ordering policy has thrust one of Philadelphia's best-known cheesesteak joints into the national immigration debate.

Situated in a South Philadelphia immigrant neighborhood, Geno's - which together with its chief rival, Pat's King of Steaks, forms the epicenter of an area described as "ground zero for cheesesteaks" - has posted small signs telling customers, "This Is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING `SPEAK ENGLISH.'"

"They don't know how lucky they are. All we're asking them to do is learn the English language," said Geno's owner Joseph Vento, 66. "We're out to help these people, but they've got to help themselves, too."

[toldyou]

On Geno's website, there's a page where you can send an email. A friend of mine sent the following in support of their "English only," request:

As a university professor, I'm often labeled as a left-wing liberal on almost any topic. They couldn't be further from the truth. I wholeheartedly support your position that, if you embrace the American Dream, you should also embrace its language and its culture.

Fight the good fight for all of us who support your positiion of speaking English in America.

Respectfully,

[april15Bendovr]

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iwR6Pxp23ftiLT1tbSvhcJk0il3gD8VGNS603

3/19/08

Philly Steak Shop Didn’t Discriminate
1 hour ago

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia agency has ruled that English-only signs at a famous cheesesteak shop are not discriminatory.

The Commission on Human Relations says in its Wednesday ruling that the sign at Geno’s Steaks does not violate the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance.

Joe Vento posted the signs at his shop in October 2005. They read “This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING ‘PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH.’”

Critics allege the policy discourages customers of certain backgrounds from eating there. They say the signs discourage non-English speakers from going to the shop.

Vento says he has never refused service to anyone because they couldn’t speak English.

[JZelle]

Wow, that’s great! Thanks for the ping!

[RedRightReturn]

‘If you insist on acting like a tourist, asking questions and all, get your “cheesteak” at that place on South street that’s checkerboard and chrome.’

I think the name is Jim’s Steaks. Go there if you’re not 1000% sure what to do. Kinda like the cheesesteak training camp.

Then, when you’re ready, and only when you’re ready to brave the shot-tossin’, club-closin’, bling-wearin’ 20-sometings with a bad case of the 3AM munchies, you proceed to Pat’s or Geno’s where you get full cholesterol and you get it quick!

Damn good sammiches.