Philly Food Goes Global

Philadelphia’s most iconic food is on the move. Thanks to wide, quick expansion, delicacies that were once regional are making their way around the United States – and around the world. Take, for instance, that most Philadelphian of menu items – the cheesesteak. Local chain Tony Luke’s has been expanding nationally, bringing the beefy, cheesy-oozy goodness of this specialty sandwich to Florida and California, as well as the Middle Eastern nation of Bahrain. Everyone knows about the cheesesteak, and most places have their own, inferior imitators. Now, folks outside of Pennsylvania can be treated to a taste of the real thing. Tony Luke, Jr., a judge on the Spike competition TV cooking show, “Frankenfood,” says that he is proud of his sandwich chain’s Philadelphia brand.

The Philly cheesesteak is on the move!

Another area export that’s making it big in Florida is the gas station and convenience store chain Wawa. Known for their made-to-order sub sandwiches, pretzels, cookies, and other treats, Wawa was already a considerable deal in the Philly area. Wawa has opened over sixty Florida locations since 2012, with more on the way. What makes Florida such a magnet for Philly brands? Well, it certainly doesn’t hurt that, in a state full of northeastern transplants, a full three percent of the Floridian population hails from Pennsylvania.

In terms of sweet treats, who doesn’t love a Rita’s Water Ice? The Philly-based brand of cold deliciousness has to date opened over 600 locations worldwide, and is planning expansion into six Middle Eastern countries, along with Mexico and Canada.

The Philly Pretzel Factory, which makes the delicious soft pretzels for which the area is known, currently has 150 stores nationwide. It plans to up that number to 300 – as well as to expand into the international market – by 2020.