At a Glance
- Frank Olivieri Sr., longtime owner of Pat’s King of Steaks, died January 18, 2026 at age 87
- Olivieri took over the South Philadelphia landmark in 1968 after working there since the late 1950s
- His son Frankie Olivieri Jr. succeeded him as owner when he retired in 1996
- Why it matters: The Olivieri family has defined Philadelphia’s signature sandwich for three generations
Philadelphia cheesesteak royalty has lost a monarch. Frank Olivieri Sr., who steered Pat’s King of Steaks for nearly three decades, passed away Sunday at 87, leaving behind a legacy as rich as the onions sizzling on the grill.
A Family Empire Built on Steak and Bread
Pat’s King of Steaks announced Olivieri’s death in a statement that traced the family lineage back to the restaurant’s founding. The iconic stand on the 1200 block of Passyunk Avenue began with Olivieri’s father Harry and uncle Pat, the brothers who created what would become Philadelphia’s most famous culinary export.
“We are saddened to share that Frank P. Olivieri Sr., longtime owner and steward of Pat’s King of Steak passed away on January 18, 2026 at the age of 87,” the restaurant’s statement read. “Frank was the son of Harry Olivieri and the nephew of Pat Olivieri – brothers and original owners of Pat’s King of Steaks.”
The restaurant described Olivieri as “a true original” who carried forward the family tradition his father and uncle established. His journey with the business began in the late 1950s when he started working at the restaurant, learning the craft that would define his life’s work.
Passing the Torch to a New Generation
In 1968, Olivieri stepped into the role of owner, guiding Pat’s through nearly three decades of growth while maintaining its status as a Philadelphia institution. His tenure saw the restaurant cement its place in the city’s cultural fabric, becoming a required stop for politicians, celebrities, and tourists seeking the authentic Philadelphia experience.
When Olivieri retired in 1996, the family tradition continued with his son Frankie Olivieri Jr. taking ownership. This transition marked the third generation of Olivieri leadership at Pat’s, ensuring the family’s cheesesteak empire would persist into the new millennium.
“Frank, like Harry and Pat before him, was a true original who helped forge the origins of Pat’s for nearly a half of a century,” the restaurant’s statement continued, acknowledging his nearly 50-year contribution to the business.
Remembering a Philadelphia Icon
The viewing for Frank Olivieri Sr. will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Baldi Funeral Home, located at 327-29 South Broad Street in Philadelphia. Following the viewing, a prayer service and memorial tributes will begin at 11 a.m.
In keeping with the family’s wishes, mourners are asked to honor Olivieri’s memory through donations rather than flowers. The family respectfully requests that contributions be made in Frank’s name to St. Maron Church, located at 1010 Ellsworth Street in Philadelphia.
The passing of Frank Olivieri Sr. marks not just the loss of a family patriarch but the end of an era for one of Philadelphia’s most recognizable culinary dynasties. His nearly five decades of stewardship at Pat’s helped transform a local sandwich shop into an internationally recognized symbol of Philadelphia culture.
Key Takeaways
Frank Olivieri Sr.’s death represents more than the loss of a beloved Philadelphia figure – it marks the passing of a direct link to the origins of the cheesesteak itself. From his start in the late 1950s through his retirement in 1996, Olivieri shepherded Pat’s King of Steaks through nearly half a century of Philadelphia history. His son’s continuation of the family business ensures that while the king may be gone, the kingdom he helped build will continue serving its signature creation to future generations of Philadelphians and visitors alike.
