Harry Olivieri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Olivieri
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| Born | May 25, 1916 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | July 22, 2006 (aged 90) Pomona, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Occupation | Restaurateur |
| Spouse(s) | Anne DeLuca |
| Children | 2 children |
| Parent(s) | Michael and Maria Olivieri |
Harry M. Olivieri (born May 25, 1916 – died July 22, 2006) was an American restaurateur. He came from an Italian family. Harry is famous for helping to create the cheesesteak in 1933. He did this with his brother, Pat Olivieri. The brothers later opened their own restaurant called Pat's King of Steaks in 1940. It became one of the most well-known places in Philadelphia to get a steak sandwich.
Harry Olivieri's Early Life
Harry Olivieri was born in South Philadelphia. His parents, Michael and Maria Olivieri, were from Italy. When Harry was three years old, his family moved back to Italy. They returned to Philadelphia four years later. Harry went to Southwark School. After school, he started working as a carpenter. In 1936, Harry married his wife, Anna DeLuca.
The Story of Pat's King of Steaks
In 1930, Harry and his older brother Pat started a hot dog stand. It was located at the busy corner of 9th Street, Wharton, and Passyunk Avenues. The brothers worked at the stand while also having other jobs. Harry continued his work as a carpenter. Pat made sleds.
In 1933, a special event happened. The Olivieri brothers created the first steak sandwich. They sold this very first sandwich to a cab driver for only ten cents! This new sandwich quickly became very popular.
In 1940, the brothers decided to open a proper restaurant. They rented a space at the same spot where their hot dog stand was. They named their new restaurant Pat's King of Steaks. Harry and Pat worked very long hours, often 15 to 18 hours a day. Their restaurant was open 24 hours a day! During World War II, Harry worked at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. After the war, he returned to work at the restaurant.
In 1972, Harry stepped back from the daily running of the business due to health reasons. However, he still loved visiting the restaurant for a few hours each day. He enjoyed meeting and greeting the customers. Later, Pat's son, Herbert Olivieri, helped manage the business. Eventually, Harry's son, Frank Olivieri, took over the restaurant.
In his last years, Harry lived with his daughter in Brigantine, New Jersey. He passed away on July 22, 2006, in Pomona, New Jersey. He was 90 years old. Today, Harry's grandson, Frank Jr., continues to run the famous Pat's King of Steaks.
