The 1930s

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Pat on Pat’s back

Staff Photo by Greg Bezanis

Especially attractive to tourists, Pat’s King of Steaks lets everyone have a cow, with even Bart Simpson not likely to put up a fight.

When talking about South Philly, what is the first thing most people think about? Finding a parking spot near the office or house doesn’t count. Next on the list: Where can one get a good cheesesteak? The correct answer is a matter of personal preference, but Pat’s King of Steaks, 1237 E. Passyunk Ave., owned and operated by the Olivieri family since 1930, takes the mark of a legend among local grill masters.

Believe it or not, the Passyunk Square landmark actually began as a hot-dog stand until founder Pat Olivieri tried a little lunchtime experiment with the meat he purchased from the butcher. He prepared it on the grill, placed the finished product on an Italian roll and added some onions for decoration. 

By the way, the Olivieri family has maintained the hot dog as a staple menu item.

-Bill Gelman

Aging well

From a distance, the small Whitman eatery, might not look like anything special. Patrons stroll in and out daily carrying their sandwich of choice and take a seat at one of the picnic tables located outside of John’s Roast Pork, 14 Snyder Ave. Those thinking it is just another sandwich joint would likely find themselves in a heated debate, as the landmark dates back to 1930 when Domenico Bucci arrived from Italy to share his top-secret recipe.

Two generations and 82 years later, John’s remains a hot lunch spot. John Bucci oversees the operation with his mother, Vonda, 79. John Sr., father and husband, also had a stake prior to his ’91 passing.

“It’s very, very rewarding,” John, a 2300 block of South Rosewood Street native, said. “My grandfather started it and now I am part of it with my mom. We have grown with the customers and their families.”

-Bill Gelman

Coming on time

Photo Courtesy of PhillyHistory.org

Crowds gathered at Broad Street and Snyder Avenue for the dedication of the Snyder stop on the Broad Street Line Sept. 16, 1938.

Prior to a subway system, privately operated surface trolleys dominated Philly’s streets, but in order to curtail street traffic a need for the underground alternative was created.

The third line to hit the tracks, the Broad Street Line, run by Philadelphia Transit Co., expanded to South Street in 1930. Eight years later, Snyder became its southern end until ’73 when Oregon and Pattison, renamed AT&T in 2010, were completed in time for the Phillies season opener.

Feasibility studies, including Philadelphia2035, have suggested a Navy Yard addition to the line, which carries 137,000 passengers daily on weekdays.

“One of the known factors for why they only built it to Snyder was because south of Snyder they didn’t really know how to build it because of the water and drainage south of Snyder,” John LaForce, SEPTA’s deputy chief engineer in engineering maintenance and construction, said. “There were [trash] dumps.”

-Amanda L. Snyder

Pop’s Homemade Italian Water Ice Co. has become an annual palate pleaser with an emphasis on irresistible flavors.

80-year freeze

In 1932, Fillipo “Pops” Italiano began selling Italy’s favorite frozen treat, water ice, from a pushcart along Oregon Avenue to subsidize household income for his ever-growing family. Since then, Pop’s Homemade Italian Water Ice Co., 1337 W. Oregon Ave., has grown from a single-flavor sensation to one of South Philly’s favorite spots for a tasty treat.

Now run by third-generation family members, the Marconi business boasts 24 flavors and the same method of creation its founder perfected. Today’s creators still hand-squeeze the lemons used in its recipe at their original location.

“We pride ourselves in customer service and excellence in product,” third-generation owner Linda Raffa, who introduced cherry to the company’s flavor repertoire, said.

-Katie Armstrong

Always accommodating

Photo by Greg Bezanis

Grassia’s Italian Market Spice Co. is a quality pick for anyone looking to prove that variety is the spice of life.

A first-time customer at Grassia’s Italian Market Spice Co., 949 S. Ninth St., at the time of its opening 80 years ago might have been surprised by some of the merchandise — especially that which oozed slowly past the cash register.

“Back when the LoCascio family owned it, they sold live snails,” present-day owner Tina Grassia said. “They walked all over the counter.”

Today’s customers may have to settle for more traditional goods like spices, sauces and teas, but the quality products and family-oriented owners have made Grassia’s a staple in Bella Vista’s Italian Market since 1932.

“We’re family-owned and operated, so we don’t lose sight of who we’re here for,” Grassia, who often keeps the store open a couple hours after other businesses close, giving customers a chance to shop after work, said. “We’re on the same level. We try to accommodate the neighborhood working people.”

-Bobby Kittredge

No more training wheels

Founded in the 1930s, the once-lunch-truck-turned-diner prides itself for providing quality American dining.

However, George Ezangou, owner of South Street Diner, 140 South St., which formally opened in ’78, was Greek.

“Originally, he had the truck. But he wanted to expand, and incorporate more Greek and American dishes,” Tina Lucas, a current employee, said.

Ezangou retired two years ago, and Mark Kline, an owner of several Philly area restaurants and diners, bought the place, with plans of improvement. Kline acquired a liquor license and made the diner 24/7 — a characteristic associated with Ezangou’s original diner.

The menu, however, still includes some of Ezangou’s traditional meals.

“We have a lot of Greek specials, as well as Italian and seafood ones, to keep up with the community,” Lucas said.

-Samantha Byles

Top-heavies

A four-generation business, Fortuna Roofing & Sons Inc., 10th and Bigler streets, has fortified more than 50,000 rowhomes since 1934, with Michael Fortuna, its leader since 2007, grateful for every coating he and his kin have been able to apply.

“I love taking care of South Philadelphia families,” Michael, who as a 13-year-old conducted estimates with father Phil Fortuna, said. “That is always what I have wanted.”

Commercial and residential properties have benefited from the Marconi clan’s allegiance to assurance.

“We get in, we get out and everybody stays safe,” Michael, whose two sons are furthering their great-grandfather Joe Fortuna’s mission, said. “One of the most important aspects of life is keeping a home sound, and my opportunities to calm people still appeals to me after all these years.” 

-Joseph Myers

A Ray of delight

Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar has retained its love of being a friendly place to bury troubles among friends and with a cold brew in one’s hand.

Lou Capozzoli found patriarch Anthony “Ray” Capozzoli’s choosing to welcome patrons with “Happy Birthday” instead of “Hello” so endearing that his father’s 1997 death led him to rename Ray’s Bar, which opened in ‘38, “ Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar ,” 1200 E. Passyunk Ave. The younger Capozzoli is primed to continue to make it an attractive location for libations.

“The neighborhood has changed dramatically, to the point I never worry about any trouble,” the proprietor said.

He offers Friday karaoke and Saturday musical accompaniment to make his Passyunk Square haunt, which has appeared in four movies, more appealing. He even performs, wielding a saxophone and belting vocals a few times a year, and has added an exterior sign bearing customer and celebrity birthdays.

“I have loved keeping Ray’s as a great gathering place,” he said. “I feel we’re only getting better.”

-Joseph Myers

Family ties

“You don’t gotta be a salesman, you gotta be an auctioneer today,” Dan Neri, co-owner of C&D Appliances, 1121 S. Eighth St., said.

The Passyunk Square business was started in 1938 by Angelo Neri, who passed the business to his son, Dan Neri.

“We know what we have to do to sell to a customer when they come in,” Dan, who works with nephew Carl Arrigale to sell household appliances at a discounted price, said.

Dan is teaching his nephew to run the business, originally located at 1619 E. Passyunk Ave., and then 17th and Moore streets, the same way his father taught him — the customer is always right.

Selling only large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, C&D stays afloat with its good reputation.

“It’s not the good news that travels, it’s the bad news that travels,” he said. “We’re still doing it so we must be doing something right.”

-Lauren Hertzler

Inset Photo by Greg Bezanis

Di Bruno Bros. has added locations but has never decreased its attention to leaving patrons eager for striking up a relationship with its products.

Gourmet guidance

Di Bruno Bros.‘ owners have been welcoming customers into the gourmet cheese and meat shop, 930 S. Ninth St., since 1939.

The Italian Market grocery store, started by Danny and Joe Di Bruno, two brothers from Italy known for their hard work, has become a culinary pioneer with five regional locations.

“They were going to retire back in 1989 and we didn’t want them to sell the business,” Emilio Mignucci, a third-generation owner with his brother and cousin, said.

Today, the family-owned shop has flourished by providing a comfortable experience for all customers.

“We celebrate people, we celebrate food,” Mignucci said. “That’s really simplistic, but it’s the truth.”

-Lauren Hertzler

Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.

South Philly Milestones
The Pre-1900s
The 1900s
The 1910s
The 1920s
The 1940s
The 1950s and ’60s

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