Full Breakdown
Influencer Throws Cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks General Manager
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
Police say a man identified as an online food-review influencer entered Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philadelphia on Wednesday evening, filmed the interior, and then tossed a cheesesteak at General Manager Tom Francano while still holding a camera. Surveillance footage captured the single-handed throw, after which the individual fled and later posted his own video to YouTube and Instagram. The employee was not injured and returned to work the following day. Detectives are reviewing all digital evidence; the suspect has turned himself in and remains in custody while charges are being considered.
Official Statements & Responses
Pat’s owner Rita Marie Oliveri emphasized the restaurant’s long-standing community role and expressed determination to see the perpetrator held accountable. General Manager Francano called the act “uncalled for” and urged the individual to accept responsibility. Pat’s co-owner Frank Olivieri noted that the business has previously dealt with influencers and criticized the lack of accountability in such online content creation. Police have not yet filed formal charges but continue to assess the video and witness statements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The phone hasn't stopped ringing. People were coming and saying how sorry they were that somebody would do that to us,” — Rita Marie Oliveri, owner of Pat's King of Steaks
- “They're going to get this guy. They're going to get him. Because that's an assault,” — Rita Marie Oliveri, owner of Pat's King of Steaks
- “He should come forward, you know, be accountable. You did something wrong and you shouldn’t do that to anybody else,” — Tom Francano, at general manager
- “To throw it back at somebody that’s making your food and Pat is a staple of the city so it’s one of those where it’s just disrespectful,” — Eric Skinkle
- “The influencers there’s no accountability. They’re not accountable for the words they use, whether they’re helping a business or hurting a business. They just don’t understand the power of their words,” — Frank Olivieri
What’s Next
Detectives will continue to examine the surveillance and influencer-posted footage while the district attorney’s office decides whether to file assault or related charges. The restaurant announced plans to ban cameras inside the dining area pending the outcome of the investigation.
