South Philly Cheese Steaks Our Restaurant Story

South Philly Cheese Steaks sandwich shop restaurant in Colorado brings the authentic Philly flavor in their cheesesteaks

About South Philly Cheese Steaks

Colorado's Best Authentic Philly Style Cheesesteaks

It was in 2000 when John Pinelli began to grow restless with corporate America. He was looking for a challenge. It would be another four years before he acted on his dream. A native of the Philadelphia area, John and his family have been fortunate to have lived in many parts of the country. Always adapting to the local cuisine, while seeking out authentic East Coast food. It was always the same story. Where can we get a good cheese steak or pizza? The answer was the same – it’s not bad, but it’s not home.

South Philly Cheese Steaks restaurant and sandwich shop in Colorado uses Amoroso's hearth-baked bread rolls
South Philly Cheese Steaks restaurant and sandwich shop in Colorado uses Tastykake desserts snacks
South Philly Cheese Steaks restaurant and sandwich shop in Colorado uses Harris Ranch beef

Pinelli's Restaurant Inspiration

Crafting Authentic Philly Style Food in Colorado

It was then that Pinelli realized the opportunity to create a shop which would carry authentic Philly foods made with real Philly products. He realized how spoiled he had become taking food for granted. He thought everyone knew how to make an Italian Hoagie, a hot roast beef or meatball sandwich, pizza, and Philly’s own cheese steak. On Pinelli’s annual trip back to Philly each summer he would eat his way through his favorite foods – Hoagies, cheese steaks and pizza – and of course Tastykakes and Water Ice.

South Philly Cheese Steaks best Colorado restaurant franchise founder John holding an authentic Philly style cheesesteak

From Tastykake Packages to Philly's Heart

The Journey of South Philly Cheese Steaks in Denver

In those times between visits he would receive his Tastykake care package every so often from his family. He would tell his family about his dream of opening a sub shop and his cousin Ralphie, whose family has been in the restaurant business for years, would echo the words of all family members, “What Are you Nuts??!!!”

In the Denver market, the first South Philly Cheese Steak shop opened in Arvada. Next came the Oneida shop and five others followed over the course of the next five years. Pinelli admits he made a lot of mistakes along the way. But one thing he insists he never wavered from in his quest to make South Philly Cheese Steaks a must stop for folks wanting Philly fare. “We’re gonna give people the real deal, no compromises,” he said. “We’re proud to offer authentic east coast hoagies, cheese steaks, Water Ice and Tastykakes.” It’s not gourmet. It’s just great food.

South Philly Cheese Steaks

Where Simplicity Meets Genuine Philly Vibes

Pinelli admits there is nothing fancy about the South Philly Cheese Steak shops. The decor and atmosphere is simplistic, making it even that much more authentic. Each restaurant sandwich shop in Colorado does share a custom mural – skyline of Philly.

Best Restaurant In Colorado

3 South Philly Cheese Steaks Locations

Discover the authentic taste of South Philly Cheese Steaks at our Colorado restaurant locations in Brighton, Cherry Hills Village, and Thornton. Choose a restaurant near you to indulge in the best cheesesteaks, and explore our menu, contact information, and easy online ordering options.

South Philly Cheese Steaks sandwich shop restaurant in Colorado brings the authentic Philly flavor in their cheesesteaks

Colorado Restaurant Franchise Opportunities

Franchise With Us

Does the idea of owning your own South Philly Cheese Steaks shop sound appealing? Learn more about our Colorado restaurant franchise opportunities on our franchise page. John's laid all the ground work, put together all that is needed to make it happen and the South Philly Cheese Steaks team is here for you every step of the way with the support you’ll need to have a successful business. After all, we do hail from just outside the ‘City of Brotherly Love.’ But luckily for Coloradoans we love the Denver area, and enjoy sharing the love.