LeBron James cheesesteak welcome includes VIP booth and a new order code
Pat’s and Geno’s are rolling out Philly cheesesteak perks after LeBron James agreed to join the 76ers, TMZ reports.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
3 min read
The LeBron James cheesesteak courtship has started before he has even suited up in Philadelphia. Two of the city’s best-known sandwich spots, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, are promising special treatment after James’ move to the 76ers, according to TMZ.
Pat’s is giving its classic Whiz Wit a LeBron-themed ordering nickname. The shop said on Instagram that customers can ask for “The King’s Way” at the window, and staff will know they want the original Whiz Wit.
The sandwich itself is staying the same, according to TMZ: steak, Cheese Whiz and onions. Pat’s framed the move as a welcome to James, pairing the basketball “King” with the “King of Steaks.”
What cheesesteak perks is LeBron James getting in Philly?
Pat’s is offering a new LeBron-inspired way to order its classic Whiz Wit, while Geno’s is promising him a seat in its VIP booth and a personal cheesesteak grilling lesson. A Whiz Wit is a Philadelphia cheesesteak order that means Cheese Whiz with onions.
Frank Olivieri, the third-generation owner of Pat’s, told TMZ that the restaurant still has one classic order, but now has a new phrase for it. He said customers who ask for “The King’s Way” will be understood at the window.
Across town, Geno’s Steaks is going bigger than a menu nickname. Geno’s president Geno Vento told TMZ that the restaurant’s VIP booth, which he described as one of the toughest seats in Philadelphia to land, is being held for James.
Vento said Geno’s would welcome James with a cheesesteak, put a spatula in his hand and give him time behind the grill for a personal lesson. He told TMZ that the restaurant has been part of stories for Philadelphia figures and would like James’ chapter there to start at Geno’s.
Geno’s has hosted a list of famous names over the years, according to TMZ, including Shaquille O’Neal, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Travis Kelce and the Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty.
Why is Philadelphia welcoming LeBron James now?
James announced Friday that he was joining the 76ers, TMZ reported. In his statement, he also referred to Los Angeles, Miami and Cleveland, the three NBA cities where he previously played.
His agent, Rich Paul, said James signed a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option, according to TMZ. Paul also said Philadelphia will be the final stop of James’ historic career.
The welcome wagon now has a very Philly flavor: one shop has renamed the way to say a classic order, and another is saving a VIP seat plus a grill tutorial. With the season opener only a couple of months away, the city’s cheesesteak institutions are already treating James like a local headliner.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.