Gazzos Steaks, which built its reputation from a signature food truck and online followers, opened its first shop Saturday on South Hannover Street in Pottstown, writes Evan Brandt for The Pottstown Mercury.

The grand opening had more than 40 people waiting in line for cheesesteaks, with one customer sleeping overnight in his car so he would be first in line.

Owners Mike Lamson and Joe Lewis, South Philadelphia natives, previously operated out of a food truck parked along Route 100 in Upper Pottsgrove.  

Their popularity took off on social media, prompting a short feature on 6ABC.

“We had thought it might take a few years to build up the business,” said Lewis, but they did it in a year, so they decided to take a chance on a shop. 

Lewis learned how to cook from his mother-in-law who is the cook and chief sandwich maker at Brunish’s on Lincoln Avenue in Pottstown.

Larrison and Lewis spent months working at their truck, then coming at night to work on the South Hanover Street storefront.

“We’ve been doing it for almost a year,” said Lamson. “It can get pretty tiring.”

Read more about Gazzos Steaks and reactions to the new store in The Pottstown Mercury.

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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on MONTCO Today in May 2024.