WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – It is national cheesesteak day.
The SMP Mini Mart in Whitehall Township was filled with people passionate about the Pennsylvania staple.
The SMP Mini Mart prepared to go through 30 or 40 dozen rolls on the national day.
“I think everyone waits for it every year. It’s a sandwich of pride,” said Owner Chad Sankari.
A point of pride and also passion when it comes to how you take your cheesesteak.
“Lehigh Valley style, that has the pickles and sauce it is finer cut on the meat and a different kind of bread. We also have the option, I’ll call it more of the city cheesesteak and that’s a different kind of bread and onion all chopped up,” said Sankari.
When SMP Mini Mart first opened its doors, Sankari says Lehigh Valley style was more in demand. That demand now slightly shifting, he says about 60 percent of customers opt for Lehigh Valley style with about 40 percent choosing the city staple.
“When you stick pepper and stuff on it, you’re ruining it. It isn’t an authentic cheesesteak,” said customer Kathi.
“I like the works. I grew up with cheesesteaks all over the Valley, we have the best cheesesteaks,” said Christina Michner who was ordering hers with toppings.
Others like it simpler.
“I like the cheesesteak with the cheese,” said another customer, Greyson.
There is a sandwich for all tastebuds.
“I just got cheese onion and some sauce, it’s all I’ve ever eaten, it’s my favorite. I’ve been going to Philly since I was a kid and nothing does it better,” said Shawn Hunsicker.
“I’m originally from Philly and I used to work at a bar close to the Delaware River, and we had merchant marines that would come in, and I would take them on cheesesteak tours to try all different cheesesteaks around the area,” said Kathi. “I have to say, being from Philadelphia and trying all different cheesesteaks, this is a top 3.”
The sandwich a staple for some and a treat for other.
“I’m from central Pennsylvania around Lebanon area, and it’s much better and much different than anything out there,” said customer Tim Kindt.