Four Stars: Pride of Philadelphia – US Food Trends
The feisty flavors of Philadelphia's legendary sandwich make their mark on Top 400 menus.
This article first appeared in the 15 July 2007 issue of Restaurants & Institutions (R&I).
R&I is the USA's leading source of food and business-trend information and exclusive research on operators and restaurant patrons. Editorial coverage spans the entire foodservice industry, including chains, independent restaurants, hotels and institutions. To find out more about R&I, visit its website here >>
By Allison Perlik, Senior Editor
Philly Beef Flatbread Melt (pictured above)
Arby's, Atlanta. For an early-spring 2007 promotion inspired by the success of the chain's Market Fresh wraps, Arby's tapped its distinctive slow-roasted beef for a handy, portable sandwich wrapped in warm flatbread. Inside, creamy Parmesan-peppercorn sauce complements thin-sliced roast beef, grilled onions, sweet bell peppers and melted Swiss cheese.
Philly Cheese Steak Pizza
Domino's Pizza, Ann Arbor, Mich. This limited-time offer was so popular during its 2003 debut that many locations kept it on the menu long after the promotion wrapped. Back again in 2007, the specialty pie delivers mushrooms, onions, green bell peppers and seasoned, marinated steak topped with shredded provolone cheese on the chain's traditional crust.
Philly Steak Runza
Runza, Omaha, Neb. Seasoned ground beef baked inside a warm, crusty encasement of house-made dough make up this regional chain's signature sandwich, but a recent menu addition oozes Philadelphia-style flair: The standard filling is replaced with thinly sliced steak, bell peppers, onions and sautéed mushrooms and a topping of Swiss and cream cheeses.
Prime Rib Cheesesteak
Quiznos Sub, Denver. A beefed-up double portion of thin-sliced prime rib makes a hearty foundation for this simplified approach to the Philly favorite. Quiznos' creation, introduced in late 2006, features a white sesame-seed-studded sub roll spread with mayonnaise and piled high with tender beef draped in sautéed onions and melted Swiss cheese.