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Posted on 09/25/2023 12:17:45 PM PDT by llevrok
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Customers are thrilled the original Jim's West Steaks & Hoagies in West Philadelphia is back in business, and they formed a line around the building.
"I'm so excited," said Nitah Dunham from West Philadelphia. "The food has always been good."
"In my opinion, it's the best cheesesteak in town," said William King from West Philadelphia.
But now, customers can expect to see armed agents out front.
"The violence has spiked," said Co-owner Cortez Johnson. "It goes up and down. You want people to feel safe and be safe. So when they come out and eat, they don't have to worry about no type of harm."
"Our lines are down the block, so while you're standing here in line, connecting with other people you may not know, we have security right here just to keep you guys safe," said Saul Landers, the CFO of Jim's West.
The owners hope the presence of armed agents prevents crimes.
"It's not just myself," said Kevon Darden, who owns Presidential Protection Services. "It's usually other agents who are sworn and certified by the state of Pennsylvania to do security work when they're off duty. All of us are former military, police, and law enforcement background."
The armed agents will be there during business hours Thursday through Sunday.
Other business owners hired armed guards too, including the Karco Gas Station in North Philadelphia.
"If you want to secure your business and you want to make sure everyone is safe, you have to spend that extra money," said Landers.
Some customers say they support the enhanced security.
"Safety and good food is always a plus," said Dunham.
"If it deters it (crime), I can't complain," said Mario Maiale from West Philadelphia. "I'm not a big fan of guns, but I get it."
Others think it's not necessary outside of Jim's West and say it's an alarming sight.
"Now North Philly, where that gas station is, where the guy is out there with a machine gun, I can understand that," said King. "Here, it's a little overkill. Even if you have an armed guard, okay. But, walking around with a machine gun, it's not family-friendly."
"I'm here to protect you," said Darden. "I'm not here to cause any trouble or be that guy with a rifle."
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Pennsylvania Ping!
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“One of the most enjoyable meals of one’s life was at Jim’s.”
I’ve been to Philadelphia twice. My wife and I found Jim’s on South Street by accident. Those grill vents blowing out just overhead were the best advertising ever! When I got another trip to town I made sure to stop in there as often as I could.
The local Giant Food here in Southern Maryland has guards to catch shoplifters. And this is a laid-back safe area. Bidenomics, I guess.
Jim's cheesesteak.
We have had Pat’s, Geno’s and Jim’s, Jim’s are terrific and the shop, pre fire, was an art deco and memorabilia Mecca. I hope they can keep people safe!
See? Biden’s policies are creating new jobs!
wow, Philadelphia swank !
In the Pat’s vs. Geno’s, I always preferred Pat’s.
Haven’t been there in years.
They used to get their rolls from the Italian bakeries down the block - the bread makes all the difference in the world.
That’s not fair.
Sorry......
Don’t be. Eating a Jim’s in front of Independence Hall is one of my best gastronomical memories..
Glad to hear it.
I have been to the location at South and 4th a couple times..was able to get street parking. Not bad, tho there was a fire last year (still closed?) and this seems to be describing a location in West Philly
One of my summer favorites is pepper and onion sandwich on Italian bread. Runner up fried eggplant on Italian Bread.
Yum......
I spent a couple weeks in Mexico City in the 90’s. There were guards everywhere with rifles to protect their clients from the bandits. When we walked from our hotel to the bus they were there with rifles in hand. When we arrived at our place of business, they escorted us to the door.
IMHO, there is only one way to hand it back to them and restore Constitutional sanity, freedom, and liberty...
Yup. I'm pretty sure "Vito's Philly Cheesesteak And Body Disposal" could be pretty safe. Assuming you don't owe Vito money...
Maybe give lawfully conceal carry customer’s 10% off their purchase.
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