PHILADELPHIA, June 9, 2006
Want A Cheesesteak? 'Speak English'
Debate Breaks Out Over Sign At Philly's Best Known Counter
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Angelica Marquez, left, collects her order as Cathy Merlino is seen behind a sign telling customers they must order in English at Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 7, 2006. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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Geno's Steaks is seen in Philadelphia Wednesday, June 7, 2006. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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During the council's meeting Thursday, Councilman Jim Kenney asked Geno's owner Joseph Vento to take the small sign down. The English-only ordering sign has irritated some activists in the diverse neighborhood of South Philadelphia and drawn national attention.
"It's such an iconic institution and business, one that is that visible for many of our residents, for the region and the world," Kenney said.
Vento, whose grandparents struggled to learn English after immigrating from Sicily in the 1920s, said his staff is glad to help non-native speakers order in English and no one has been turned away because of a language barrier.
"I don't see much of a big deal about learning to say Cheez Whiz," he told ABC-TV's "Good Morning America" on Friday.
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