Ex Philadelphia Mob Boss Makes Cheesesteak ‘Offer You Can’t Refuse’

Location, Location, Location.

Situated right in the backdrop of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Wells Fargo Center, Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park … sits a brand new Cheesesteak Shop.

It’s called “Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks,” brought to you by Skinny Joey Merlino.

About his colorful past, “Skinny Joey” Merlino recently told 6ABC WPVI,

This is my hometown, this is where I am from. Born and raised," said "Skinny Joey" Merlino. We're the best, everybody likes us. Even my haters like me. said Merlino.

According to the FBI, Merlino followed reputed organized Philadelphia and South Jersey crime boss John Stanfa, beginning in the 1990’s.

Merlino served time in prison for:

• racketeering.
• extortion.
• bookmaking.

That was then and this is now. On his highly successful and colorful Podcast, (with co-host Joe "Lil Snuff" Perri), Merlino talks about the past, present and future. No topics are off limits on “The Skinny Podcast.”

Merlino does not run or hide from his past.

In the same, recent 6ABC WPVI interview, Merlino said:

I just look forward. Whatever I did, I did my time, I paid my debt to society like me and my friends. Like men, said Merlino.

The new “Skinny Joey Cheesesteaks” was originally scheduled to open on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Merlino beat that deadline and opened yesterday, three days ahead of schedule.

On the Skinny Joey Cheesesteaks Facebook page, they describe their shop as “the perfect spot to grab a bite before or after the game.”

Three days before they opened, “Skinny Joey’s” posted, “Philly-approved. Appreciate all the Love and Support from the City. This is just the beginning, Grand Opening this Friday.”

Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks is located at 3020 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19145.

It is Skinny Joey Merlino’s plan that this is the first of what will become a large franchise of Skinny Joey’s Cheesteaks.”

Courtesy of “Skinny Joey’s Cheesteaks,” here are some photos (see below):

Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks loves the first photo, directly below. It’s Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl MVP Quarterback, Jalen Hurts walking right past Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks.

SOURCES: Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks, 6ABC WPVI & Don Hurley.