LeBron James has not yet played his first game for the Philadelphia 76ers, but two of the city’s most famous cheesesteak rivals are already competing to give him a proper welcome.
Pat’s King of Steaks temporarily renamed one of its classic orders in honor of “King James,” while Geno’s Steaks offered the NBA star its VIP booth and a personal lesson behind the grill.
The invitations followed James’ July 24 announcement that he would join Philadelphia for his record-extending 24th NBA season.
The 41-year-old described the decision as the final move of his career after seriously considering retirement.
Pat’s Introduced ‘The King’s Way’
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Pat’s King of Steaks is temporarily allowing customers to order its familiar “Whiz Wit” cheesesteak by asking for “The King’s Way.” The sandwich remains a combination of sliced steak, Cheez Whiz and onions, but the alternate name connects James’ “King” nickname with the restaurant’s own branding.
“Everyone knows there’s only one way to order the classic, and now there’s a new way to say it,” third-generation owner Frank Olivieri told TMZ Sports. “When you come to the window and ask for The King’s Way, we’ll know exactly what you mean.”
Pat’s also welcomed James through its official Instagram account, pairing the “King of Basketball” with the “King of Steaks.” The restaurant has not announced how long the temporary ordering phrase will remain available.
Geno’s Offered James Its VIP Booth and a Grill Lesson
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Across the street, Geno’s Steaks prepared a more elaborate invitation. President Geno Vento said the restaurant’s VIP booth already has James’ name on it whenever the four-time NBA champion is ready to visit.
“Whenever he’s ready, we’ll welcome him with a cheesesteak, hand him the spatula, and even let him spend some time behind the grill for a little cheesesteak 101 with me personally,” Vento told TMZ Sports. “Every Philadelphia legend has a story at Geno’s, and we’d love for LeBron’s to begin here.”
Geno’s has previously hosted athletes, musicians and other public figures, including Shaquille O’Neal, Travis Kelce, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. No date has been announced for a possible James visit.
The Rival Restaurants Have Shared a Corner for Decades
Pat’s and Geno’s operate across from each other near the intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. Pat’s traces its history to 1930, when founder Pat Olivieri began selling steak sandwiches from a hot-dog stand. The restaurant says cheese was added later as customers and employees requested it.
Geno’s opened in 1966 after Joey Vento set up shop nearby with two boxes of steaks, a few hot dogs and $6, according to the restaurant’s history. The businesses have spent decades competing for customers and debating which one represents the definitive Philadelphia cheesesteak.
James Called Philadelphia His ‘Last Decision’
James said he believed his career might be over after completing his eighth season with the Los Angeles Lakers. After reconsidering, he announced that he still wanted to compete for another championship and believed he could help Philadelphia win its first NBA title since 1983.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team,” James wrote in the announcement covered by NBA.com. James is expected to sign a reported two-year, $8 million contract with a player option. Philadelphia will become the fourth franchise of his career after the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers.