The strip-mall space was vacant when he first saw it, but he knew it would be the perfect spot to share some of his childhood favorites because of its two large bay windows. And, after decades of experience as a classically trained executive chef, personal chef, business owner, and former CDL driver, the Philly Sandwich Company is a return to his roots. Cooking cheesesteaks was his first job as a teenager. South Philly native Chris Marquez opened the place in September 2019. But if you crave a bite of the City of Brotherly Love’s signature fare without the three-hour drive, the Philly Sandwich Company at 11347 Robinwood Drive has you covered. There are dozens of other local favorites, too, each with its own spin on the classic: Thinly sliced beef topped with a schmear of Kraft Cheez Whiz and sweet griddled onions (“wiz, wit”), piled onto a chewy footlong Italian roll.

The iconic kitchens stand just a few feet apart in an area known as the Italian Market, so it’s easy enough to buy one of each and do your own taste test while in town. Indeed, it seems like the world knows about the great dispute between devotees of Pat's King of Steaks versus fans of rival Geno’s Steaks for “Best Cheesesteak” title. It would be like visiting Maryland and not sampling a crab cake or two. You can’t go to Philadelphia and not try the cheesesteak. Authentic Hoagies and Cheesesteaks reign at the Philly Sandwich Company.

Whiz wit