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WILKES-BARRE — The Cheesesteak Factory — dedicated to Philadelphia’s famed sandwhich — is now operating at 17 E. Market St.
Not to be confused with The Cheesecake Factory — The Cheesesteak Factory is owned and operated by Wilkes-Barre natives Eric and Jason Negron, twin brothers.
“This town was calling out for cheesesteaks,” Eric said.
“We hope to be turning out cheese steaks like a factory,” Jason said.
The Cheesesteak Factory is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, targeting the bulk of the downtown workforce.
On Monday, their third day in business, Jason said customers’ response to the restaurant has been positive.
A common reaction is, “Oh Wow. I didn’t know there was a cheese steak place here,” Jason said.
“For not really advertising the opening — it went very well,” Jason said.
Jason said they tweaked their recipe frequently to achieve the perfect combination of seasoning, cheese, peppers and onions to live up to the reputation of the Philly sub.
“Thomas Edison did not invent the light bulb in one day,” Eric said.
“We had eaten a lot of cheese steaks,” Jason said.
Fresh rolls delivered daily from Amoroso’s Baking Company in Philadelphia added the sub’s finishing touch.
The menu also includes a lighter fare of fresh egg salad and tuna subs and a variety of sides such as macaroni salad.
“Everything is made fresh,” Eric said.
They plan to expand the menu to include meatball subs, hamburgers and grilled cheese.
Patrons can either eat-in or take-out. Jason said they will offer delivery service soon.
The 28-year-olds are 10-year veterans of the restaurant industry.
Their father, Ed, started his sons in the hospitality industry with their first restaurant, E & J Buzzworthy in Nanticoke.
“Dad started us on this path,” Eric said, “so we could have a future.”
The brothers also own King of Kings Gyros with locations in Wilkes-Barre and Pittston.