Cheesesteak Thrower Arrested for Throwing Sandwich at Pat’s Manager

A content creator who allegedly filmed himself throwing a cheesesteak at a manager at Philadelphia’s Pat’s King of Steaks has turned himself in and been charged with harassment, police said Friday. The man, who surrendered Thursday after the confrontation, was described by authorities as about six feet tall and 170 pounds, wearing a blue Under Armour jacket, black shorts and red Beats headphones.

The incident began when the suspect, wearing a dark hoodie and holding a tripod, ordered a cheesesteak on Wednesday, left with the sandwich, and returned roughly ten minutes later with the food opened and a complaint. General manager Tom Francano recalled the customer saying, “This steak’s garbage.” After the manager asked other patrons if they were satisfied, the filming customer remained angry, picked up the sandwich and hurled it at Francano’s face. The manager was not seriously injured, but the suspect fled the scene.

Surveillance footage shows the customer ripping the sandwich apart before approaching the service window. Pat’s owner Frank Olivieri said the footage confirmed the customer was filming with a phone before ordering, and he suspects the act was intended to generate online attention. Olivieri offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.

The restaurant announced it will prohibit customers from filming while ordering to prevent similar incidents. Police have not released the suspect’s identity, but the case is now under investigation by the Philadelphia Police Department.