‘Eat-in’ seeks to win back business for Joe’s steak shop
A few months ago, Joseph Groh decided to abandon the name of the 64-year-old Chink’s Steaks in Wissinoming. As of March, the steak shop has been known as Joe’s Steaks and Sodas shop.
Although it was a childhood nickname for original owner, Sam Sherman, Groh knew it was also an offensive term for Chinese people.
“I thought it was the right thing to do, so I did it,” Groh said. “And I wouldn’t say it backfired on me, it’s just that I’ve had a lot of negative support over it. I think more negative than positive.”
Some of Groh’s have regulars vow never to eat there again.
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‘Eat-in’ seeks to win back business for Philly steak shop
Joe's Steaks and Soda, formerly known as Chink's Steaks, is located at 6030 Torresdale Ave. (Nathaniel Hamilton/for NewsWorks)
A few months ago, Joseph Groh decided to abandon the name of the 64-year-old Chink’s Steaks. As of March, the steak shop has been known as Joe’s Steaks and Soda’s shop.
Although it was a childhood nickname for original owner, Sam Sherman, Groh knew it was also an offensive term for Chinese people.
“I thought it was the right thing to do, so I did it,” Groh said. “And I wouldn’t say it backfired on me, it’s just that I’ve had a lot of negative support over it. I think more negative than positive.”
Some of Groh’s have regulars vow never to eat there again, telling him “You shoulda never bent to the PC police.”
To help Groh’s business, Joel Mathis wrote a column for Philadelphia Magazine’s website called “Eat At Joes: How to show your support for a less racist cheesesteak,” calling for readers to join an “eat-in” Saturday.
“Boom — before you know it, he organized this thing. That’s just so awesome that someone wants to stand behind us and show their support for us,” Groh said.
Mathis’ column has gained traction on social media, so it looks like Saturday’s “eat-in” is on.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.