A man accused of throwing a cheesesteak into an employee’s face at Philadelphia’s famous Pat’s King of Steaks has been charged with harassment.
Philadelphia Police said the man, described as an apparent food influencer, turned himself in on Friday, Oct. 2, following the incident earlier this week. He was charged with a summary harassment offence.
Police said officers responded to the restaurant at around 5pm on Wednesday, Sept. 30, after receiving a report of an assault. An investigation found that an unidentified man allegedly threw a cheesesteak at an employee’s face before fleeing. No injuries were reported.
Security footage reportedly showed the suspect filming himself at the restaurant before ripping apart the cheesesteak and returning to the service window. Restaurant general manager Tom Francano said the man then allegedly told him, “This steak’s garbage,” before throwing it at his face and running away.
Francano, who has worked at the restaurant for about 50 years, said he was unharmed but was upset by the incident. Restaurant owner Frank Olivieri suggested the alleged attack may have been intended to generate attention on social media.
Pat’s King of Steaks, which has operated since 1930, previously offered a US$5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and charges. Police have not released the suspect’s name.
