Philadelphia's Geno's Steaks Adopts English-Only Ordering Policy

Fox News ^ | June 08, 2006 | Unknown

[CSM]

PHILADELPHIA — Bistec con queso? Not at Geno's Steaks.

An English-only ordering policy has thrust one of Philadelphia's best-known cheesesteak joints into the national immigration debate.

Situated in a South Philadelphia immigrant neighborhood, Geno's -- which together with its chief rival, Pat's King of Steaks, forms the epicenter of an area described as "ground zero for cheesesteaks" -- has posted small signs telling customers, "This Is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING `SPEAK ENGLISH."

Snip-----

But the policy has "really upset a lot of a people," said Brad Baldia of Day Without An Immigrant, a coalition of immigrant groups. "For some people, I think we're just going to say, `Le gusta Pat's."'

Juntos, a Hispanic neighborhood organization, said it plans to send people to Geno's to try to order in Spanish and may pursue court action, depending on what happens.

[Constitution Day]

Juntos, a Hispanic neighborhood organization, said it plans to send people to Geno's to try to order in Spanish and may pursue court action, depending on what happens.

What a bunch of bastards.

[b4its2late]

I can't wait to go there!

[dfwgator]

LOL, might be an ingenuous plan to drum up more business when they actually go ahead and take their orders.

[Straight Vermonter]

Breaking news...as of a couple of weeks ago.

[Peach]

I was just in the car and a caller told Rush that the place is packed as a sign of support.

He also said it's the place where Kerry ordered swiss cheese on his Phillysteak.

[2banana]

Ever been to South Philly? - they don't speak English either...

[MineralMan]

This story has appeared on Free Republic at least once a day since it first appeared. There are a number of long threads about the story.

At some point, such a story becomes old news. I believe we have reached that point.

[hattend]

But the policy has "really upset a lot of a people," said Brad Baldia of Day Without An Immigrant, a coalition of immigrant groups. "For some people, I think we're just going to say, `Le gusta Pat's."'

Yes, please do...eat at Pat's. That's the way the marketplace works. Leave Ginos alone.

[Froufrou]

What kind of cheese are phillies supposed to have?

[TNdandelion]

Will American Sign Language count? Just asking.....

[Concho]

Too bad that all the other restaurants in the country dont simultaneously adopt the same policy. Safety in numbers.

[sgtbono2002]

Fromunda: Just joking.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

What kind of cheese are phillies supposed to have?

Eagles, Phillies, Sixers and Flyers.

[hattend]

Cheese Wiz from a can - No Lie!

[Peach]

Provolone or mozzarella. But NOT swiss cheese.

[conserv13]

Hey, Yo, Whadda yous want, huh?

"Hi, could I get a cheesesteak sandwich, please?"

Yous wan dat wit o witout?

[NY Attitude]

born and raised in South Philly. Most families were bilingual and only spoke English outside of the home. A walk along 9th street in the Italian outdoor market made you work up an appetite to get a Philly Cheesesteak from Pats which was just up the street.

[twigs]

I heard on the local news that they wouldn't turn anyone away. I'm sure that they get a lot of tourists, some of whom don't speak English, because Gino's is an institution here. I think the point they're trying to make is that Gino's is in an Italian South Philly enclave but these descendents of immigrants came here and did well. And learned to speak English. They probably still speak Italian, too. But they are trying to make a larger point that is getting lost in the deliberate attempt by the MSM to muddy their message.