PHILADELPHIA (WHDH) — A famous Philly cheesesteak shop in Philadelphia is making a change, removing a sign demanding its customers speak English.
For at least a decade, customers at Geno’s Steaks in South Philadelphia were greeted with a sign that read, “This is America, when ordering, please speak English.” A hearing with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations was sparked by the sign.
Before he passed away in 2011, Geno’s owner Joey Vento passionately defended the sign, saying, “You can learn a hundred languages, we’re just saying here we speak English.”
Vento’s son Geno has since taken over the family business and made the decision to take the sign down. Geno’s Steaks released a statement reading, in part:
“While Geno continues to honor his father’s traditions of good quality food, cleanliness and giving back to the community, he has decided that after 10 years, it is time to move on. It’s not about the sign. It’s about what you do and what your mark in life is and Geno wants to change that mark in life.”
Geno Vento said his perspective has changed and he now wants to move on.
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