After launching high-flying restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Atlantic City, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas, hometown Chef Steve “Yo Cuz” Martorano, is returning to his roots with a new restaurant called Joey’s Italian Kitchen by Martorano’s. Joey’s is an eponymous culinary love letter to Martorano’s late son.
The restaurateur did not reveal the exact location of the new outpost, but told the Philadelphia Business Journal it will generate “some excitement by the water.” The self-taught Martorano, who is known for his brawny physique and larger than life personality, has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Good Morning America. He’s also penned two books and has his own pasta sauce.
Martorano has fed some big names during his career, including Tony Bennett, Wilt Chamberlain, Dan Marino, Kevin James, Al Pacino, and Steven Tyler. While Martorano has reached celebrity status, his Italian bravado and trademarked catch phrase “Yo Cuz!” are unmistakably linked with South Philadelphia.
In a departure from his current upscale concepts, Joey’s will focus on authentic Italian-American cuisine in a fast casual setting, something his son wanted. Martorano is keeping it simple, with a focus on quality ingredients and recipes he’s already mastered.
Menu items will include Sicilian pizza, salads, and chicken cutlet hoagies like the ones the 64-year old Martorano once sold and delivered out of his mom’s basement as a 22-year old. Pasta dishes will include carbonara, bolognese, and clam sauce. He estimates the tab with tip for a pasta and salad meal will run about $35 per person.
By keeping costs low, Martorano hopes more of his neighbors have the opportunity to dine with him.
