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A customer allegedly threw a cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks general manager Tom Francano and ran from the South Philadelphia restaurant on September 30, 2026. Francano told NBC10 he was not hurt. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on October 2 that the man turned himself in and was charged with harassment, a summary offense; no court outcome has been reported.
What happened at Pat’s King of Steaks
The incident took place shortly before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, at the restaurant’s service window, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s October 1 report and NBC10’s October 1 coverage. NBC10 reported that owner Frank Olivieri said the customer bought a cheesesteak, returned with a complaint, and threw the sandwich at Francano after an argument.
Francano told NBC10 he had noticed the customer filming with a phone or camera mounted on a stick and saw him pull apart and squeeze the sandwich. Reports describe the throw differently: some say it was thrown at Francano, while others describe it as going through the service window or into his face. The available accounts do not establish a more precise trajectory. Francano told NBC10, “I’m not hurt, I’m fine.”
What is known about the filming and alleged motive
Coverage says the customer was filming, but does not identify the camera, phone, or any tripod brand or model. The owner’s interpretation that the episode was planned as a video stunt is an opinion, not an established finding about motive.
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Inquirer quoted Olivieri saying: “His intention was to make a video: get the sandwich, have an argument at the window, film the entire thing, throw the sandwich through the window, and run away.” In an October 3 Inc. report, Olivieri said he believed the customer intended to make the sandwich look different from when it came out the window, throw it, and run. Those remarks describe the owner’s belief; they do not independently prove the customer’s purpose.
Turn-in, charge, and what remains unresolved
The latest reported status in the coverage is that the man turned himself in on Thursday, October 1, and Philadelphia police charged him with harassment, a summary offense, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s October 2 follow-up. Police declined to identify him in that report. A Fox 29 story published October 1 said authorities were still weighing charges; that was an earlier update, before the Inquirer’s later report of a charge.
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- COMPACT SIZE: Ideal for small kitchen spaces, dorm rooms, offices, and even bringing on road trips! The compact size takes up little counter or shelf space making storing your contact grill easy.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The tilt-up, skid resistant feet allows the grease to run to the drain at the back of the closed panini maker. The non-stick coated grill plates and removable drip tray makes for effortless cleaning.
- RESOURCES: UL approved with advanced safety technology for long lasting durability, & 1-year assurance provided by Chefman, so you can purchase worry-free - we've got your back! For information on how to use your product, scroll down for a PDF User Guide. 1000 Watts/120 Volts – RJ02-180-4
- A charge is an allegation, not a finding of guilt.
- No court disposition is established in the reports cited here.
- Olivieri offered a reported $5,000 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction while the man was being sought, NBC10 reported on October 1. Whether that offer remained active after the reported turn-in and charge is unknown.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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