| Joey Vento | |
| Birth Date: | 18 December 1939 |
| Birth Place: | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Death Place: | Shamong Township, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality: | Italian American |
| Known For: | Cheesesteak chef Founder of Geno's Steaks |
Joseph Anthony Vento (December 18, 1939 – August 23, 2011) was an American cook and restaurateur who founded Geno's Steaks, a cheesesteak restaurant, in 1966, starting a longtime rivalry with neighboring restaurant Pat's King of Steaks.[1] [2]
Joseph Anthony Vento, a third generation Italian American, was born in Philadelphia to Eva and James Vento. He dropped out of school in the 9th grade to assist his father in running a restaurant.[1]
Vento opened Geno's Steaks in 1966 on the corner of 9th and Passyunk,[3] starting a longtime rivalry that is ongoing with Pat's King of Steaks. His restaurant is considered one of Philadelphia's Big Three cheesesteak establishments and is open 24/7.[1] Vento serves his cheesesteak without chopping the steak[4] and believes provolone is the preferred cheese to be added.[5]
Vento had been accused of discrimination on multiple occasions against Hispanics and immigrants who had trouble speaking English. Vento's family and Geno's steaks has never officially apologized for the sign. Many people claim this is to not interfere with their business to anti immigration supporters.[6]
In 2006, his sign, which stated "This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH.", generated controversy and received attention from the Commission on Human Relations for possible violation of Philadelphia's ordinance due to discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. The ruling in 2008 stated the sign was not in violation of ordinance. Vento has denied accusations of racism, stating he has never turned away anyone on the basis of race or language but many locals of eastern Asian and Latin American descent have spoke of times where they have been refused service for ordering with an accent. [7] [8]
Vento died of a heart attack on August 23, 2011, at his home in Shamong Township, New Jersey, at the age of 71.[1] Ownership of Geno's Steak was passed to his son Geno, whom he named after the restaurant.[9]