Philadelphia Sets World Record for Longest Line of Cheesesteaks

On March 24, 2026, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) achieved a new Guinness World Record for the longest line of cheesesteak sandwiches, measuring 1,200 feet. This event, organized to celebrate National Cheesesteak Day, involved over 100 employees and volunteers who assembled 1,291 foot-long cheesesteaks using 990 pounds of steak and 225 pounds of cheese sauce. The previous record was 500 sandwiches, making this accomplishment a significant milestone for the city, known for its iconic cheesesteak.

UsNews and World Report

Clarence LeJeune, representing MarketPlace PHL, stated, “We went for the world record for the longest cheesesteak in history. Today we accomplished that goal here in Philadelphia.” The assembly took place in the walkway between Terminals B and C, where volunteers filled rolls from silver buckets as travelers passed by. After the record was certified by Guinness World Records adjudicator Michael Empric, the sandwiches were distributed to travelers, airport staff, and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel, many of whom had been working without pay due to a government shutdown.

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The event showcased a strong sense of community, with contributions from several local restaurants, including Chickie’s & Pete’s, Geno’s Steaks, Jim’s South St Famous Cheesesteaks, Passyunk Steaks, and Tony Luke’s. Dana Krawchuk, PHL's marketing and guest experience manager, emphasized the airport's unique position, stating, “The airport is really the entry point for everybody coming into the city … so we wanted to really start off really big.”

The Guardian

Empric highlighted the significance of the event, noting, “What I love about this is that it’s so specific to the Philadelphia community.” He praised the initiative to donate the cheesesteaks to TSA workers, reinforcing the community spirit behind the record attempt.

The Guardian

Pete Ciarrocchio, CEO of Chickie’s & Pete’s, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “Breaking the world record is always awesome … But one of my favorite things today was feeding the TSA with the cheesesteaks because this city is the City of Brotherly Love and these people are working without pay.”

The Guardian

• “We went for the world record for the longest cheesesteak in history,” — Clarence LeJeune, MarketPlace PHL

UsNews and World Report

• “What I love about this is that it’s so specific to the Philadelphia community,” — Michael Empric, Guinness World Records Adjudicator

The Guardian

• “Breaking the world record is always awesome … But one of my favorite things today was feeding the TSA with the cheesesteaks because this city is the City of Brotherly Love and these people are working without pay. Without them, nobody can be in this airport.” — Pete Ciarrocchio, CEO of Chickie’s & Pete’s

The Guardian

This event not only highlights Philadelphia's culinary heritage but also serves as a reminder of the community's resilience and support for essential workers during challenging times. The successful attempt at the world record reflects the city's pride in its signature food and its commitment to fostering a sense of unity among residents and visitors alike.

The Guardian