Balboa Steaks, a Newark, Delaware-based cheesesteak shop with Philadelphia influence, is bringing its sandwiches to the City of Brotherly Love.
Brothers Leo, Pep and Jim Osmanollaj founded the joint as a tribute to Philadelphia’s “fighting spirit” and “legendary” cheesesteak culture.
“Guess who’s coming home…Balboa Steaks is coming to Philly!” the team shared on social media.
The team has not yet announced a location and is inviting followers to guess where Balboa Steaks will open. One commenter guessed South Street, prompting the team to respond, “not far.”
The Academy Award-winning film Rocky is set in Philadelphia and features several recognizable locations throughout the city, including South Street. Many remember the iconic scene of Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, jogging through the neighborhood in his signature gray sweatsuit.
The shop serves made-to-order cheesesteaks featuring 100% ribeye on seeded rolls from Aversa’s Italian Bakery.
House favorites include “The Balboa,” made with 100% ribeye, Cooper Sharp or Cheese Whiz, and optional onions; the “Broad Street Bully,” topped with provolone, fried onions, mushrooms, hot peppers, pickles and Cheese Whiz; and the “302 Birdie,” featuring chicken steak, Cooper Sharp, mushrooms, hot peppers and Old Bay mayo. For every 302 Birdie sold, $2 goes toward a rotating Delaware charity each month.
More details to come. In the meantime, visit the Balboa Steaks website and follow the shop on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates. Stay tuned!
