A new cheesesteak shop in Philadelphia is reshaping part of the city\u2019s Chinatown\u2019s business landscape. Carter\u2019s Cheesesteaks has opened at 1016 Race St., becoming the first Black-owned business to establish itself in the neighborhood. The counter-service restaurant features both traditional rib-eye cheesesteaks and inventive variations topped with shrimp or lobster, blending familiar flavors with surf-and-turf flair.<\/p>\n
The restaurant officially opened<\/a> its doors on Nov. 1, but is taking off during the new year.<\/p>\n Owner, Garci, 38, said<\/a> reaching the milestone carries personal and historical weight. \u201cMe at 38 years old, I\u2019m the first person to accomplish that goal,\u201d he said. \u201cI could understand why some people wouldn\u2019t want that to happen, so I felt like, because of that, let\u2019s double down on that.\u201d<\/p>\n Beyond operating the sandwich shop, Garci purchased the entire building and reimagined it as a small food-hall concept. The space now houses multiple Black-owned food ventures offering a range of cuisines, an effort he says is designed to expand opportunity and representation within the corridor.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me bring some more Black people down here, let them also be a part of the history that\u2019s being made because I feel like it\u2019s a wonderful thing and change is needed,\u201d Garci said.<\/p>\n The opening has sparked discussion among residents about growth and evolving business ownership in a district traditionally associated with dim sum parlors and bubble tea caf\u00e9s. Supporters view the project as an addition to the area\u2019s culinary diversity rather than a departure from it.<\/p>\n Garci said his own upbringing motivates him to set an example for younger generations.<\/p>\n \u201cChase your dream,\u201d he said. \u201cI really truly believe the more you chase your dream, put the work in, in the end you\u2019ll get the reward.\u201d<\/p>\n With a menu that ranges from classic rib-eye sandwiches to seafood-topped specialties, Carter\u2019s aims to honor tradition while carving out new space \u2014 both in flavor and in history.<\/p>\n RELATED CONTENT: Big Dave\u2019s Cheesesteaks Brings A Philly Flair To Metro Atlanta<\/a><\/p>\n