« Rick Olivieri is the grandson of Pat Olivieri, the creator and originator of the World Famous Philadelphia Steak Sandwich.

THIRD GENERATION STEAK MASTER
Young Rick Olivieri began his career in the family steak sandwich business at age 14, working every Saturday and all summer long at his dad’s store at 2nd and Roosevelt Boulevard, in Philly.

In 1982, Rick and his father opened their first store together at the historic Reading Terminal Market (RTM) . With Rick manning the grill, Olivieri - Prince of Steaks became “THE" cheesesteak in Philadelphia, served at many city events.

In 1995, the crown was officially passed on to Rick Olivieri, when he reopened the store at Reading Terminal as Rick’s Original Philly Steaks. Carrying on the family tradition of grilling up great steak sandwiches, Rick has made a name for himself locally, nationally and around the globe.

FAMILY MAN
Rick met his wife, Debi, at Reading Terminal Market in 1984, as she was working for a fellow merchant. They have been happily married since 1986 and have 2 beautiful daughters, Kristin and Chelsie. Both girls have worked for dear old dad over the years since they were old enough to hold a spatula, correctly.

Rick has a wonderful group of long time employees, as well as part-timers, by his side at Reading Terminal. Some have been with him for more than 20 years!

“We have a lot of fun, the crew and I.” Rick says, “We are like family.”

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Rick opened a second location in 2006 at Citizens Bank Park (CBP), home of the Philadelphia Phillies. In the two seasons at the ballpark, Rick has earned a number of accolades including Best Food Item at CBP by ESPN writers and by helping catapult Citizens Bank Park to "#1 Vegan Friendly Park" by the folks at PETA, with the introduction of our new vegetarian steak sandwich, made with saiten. 

These awards coincided with the 75th Anniversary of the Steak Sandwich in 2007. "Pop-Pop" Pat would be proud!

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Rick Olivieri, has a wonderful volunteer spirit and gives freely of his time and resources to support the city and people of Philadelphia.

Rick has served as President of the Reading Terminal Market Merchants Association, a volunteer position, from 2000 to 2007.

Rick has been a long time supporter of Philadelphia Police and Firefighters by donating food and funds every year for their "Thrill Show" that benefits the families of fallen officers and firefighters. He also donates regularly to the Philadelphia Chapter of the Special Olympics and a number of other local charities and community organizations, including:

   • C.H.O.P. (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
   • Cleft Palate Foundation
   • Eliza Shirley House (for displaced families)
   • Impact Services of Philadelphia (materials exchange program)
   • M.S. Society of Philadelphia (Multiple Sclerosis)
   • P.C.A. (Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging)
   • Phillies Phestival for ALS
   • Springfield DELCO Fire Company
   • Springfield DELCO Ambulance Corp.
   • Springfield DELCO Library
   • Springfield DELCO Schools
     (Sabold Elementary, ETR Middle School, Springfield High School)
   • Stephen Stefani Dance Marathon (benefit for children with Cancer)
   • Susan G. Komen "for the Cure" (benefit for Breast Cancer)
   • The Wistar Institute

And on behalf of the City of Philadelphia:
   • Donation to the Wanamaker School Fund to help the evacuees
     of Hurricane Katrina
   • R.N.C. 2000 Committee
   • A Taste of Philadelphia (The President's Summit for America's Future)

The Cheesesteak is now a part of Americana, and the Olivieri name is known around the world.  The Olivieri Family Tradition lives on as Rick Olivieri the 3rd Generation continues to grill up great tasting sandwiches in Philadelphia.