Philadelphia has lost a member of cheesesteak royalty as, on Sunday, Frank Olivieri Sr., longtime owner of Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philadelphia, passed away at the age of 87.
In a statement from the famed restaurant, located on the 1200 block of Passyunk Avenue, Olivieri was remembered as a “true original” and steward of the family business that was started by his father and his uncle.
“We are saddened to share that Frank P. Olivieri Sr., longtime owner and steward of Pat’s King of Steak passed away on January 18, 2026 at the age of 87. Frank was the son of Harry Olivieri and the nephew of Pat Olivieri – brothers and original owners of Pat’s King of Steaks,” reads a statement released by Pat’s King of Steaks.
According to Pat’s King of Steaks, Olivieri worked at the restaurant since the late 1950s before becoming the owner in 1968.
When he retired in 1996, Olivieri’s son, Frankie Olivieri Jr. took over to carry on as the owner of the family business.
“Frank, like Harry and Pat before him, was a true original who helped forge the origins of Pat’s for nearly a half of a century,” read a statement from Pat’s King of Steaks.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing for Olivieri on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Baldi Funeral Home, located at 327–29 South Broad Street in Philadelphia.
A prayer service and memorial tributes will begin at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made in Frank’s name and memory to St. Maron Church, 1010 Ellsworth Street, Philadelphia.
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