More Trouble for Phillie Cheesesteak Restaurant Owner

The do-gooders in Philadelphia are trying to put an local institution out of business because the owner dares to ask patrons to place their orders in English:

PHILADELPHIA — A small sign that asked customers to order in English at a famous cheesesteak shop was never meant to be offensive, the shop's owner testified Friday at a hearing to decide whether the policy was discriminatory.

Joe Vento, the owner of Geno's Steaks, defended his policy before the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, which filed the discrimination complaint.

"This country is a melting pot, but what makes it work is the English language," Vento told the commission. "I'm not stupid. I would never put a sign out to hurt my business."

Vento posted two small signs in October 2005 at his shop in a diverse South Philadelphia neighborhood, telling customers, "This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING PLEASE 'SPEAK ENGLISH.'"

He said Friday that he posted the sign because of concerns over the debate on immigration reform and the increasing number of people from the area who could not order in English.

But he said he also wanted to keep the line moving at his busy store.

I've never been there, but I've read about this place (and posted about it) in the past. You better be ready when you get to the window to place your order "wit' Whiz" or "wit'out Whiz". I wouldn't compare him to the Soup Nazi, but patrons need to be on their toes when it's their turn at the window. Requiring English only just makes sense, not only at Geno's, but everywhere else in this country.