Frank Fantazzi joined the team at Geno’s Steaks on March 6th of 2018. Like other employees before him, Frank noticed it was a family-oriented atmosphere from the jump. “What I really appreciated was how quickly I was welcomed to the family. Geno has created an environment where we all work together to ensure that our customers love their food and look forward to coming back time and time again,” explained Fantazzi.
Working six days a week with 9-hour shifts may sound grueling, but Fantazzi wouldn’t have it any other way. “The more you work, the better it feels. You don’t have a set role with Geno’s, so I get to clean, prep, work the soda window, work the fries and even run the window. It’s the variety of the work that makes coming to work each day such a blessing,” said Fantazzi.
Before getting to work the window, Fantazzi learned the importance of doing things the right way. His progression showed him how to cut things properly, how to prep a workstation, the importance of cleanliness and why the little nuances are what make the true difference. All of these lessons taught Fantazzi the responsibility needed to run a window and a register.
Of course, when you work the window at Geno’s Ace of Steaks, there’s always excitement in the air. Celebrities from all walks of life make Geno’s their first stop when visiting the City of Brotherly Love. Growing up in the early 2000’s, Drake and Josh was one of Fantazzi’s favorite Nickelodeon programs, so you can imagine his excitement when he was working an early morning shift in October of 2018 and saw star Josh Peck approaching the counter.
“I was nervous at first, but I let Josh know I was a fan and he ended up shooting a little video with me and talking to me all about Geno’s. He was in town for a few days and was very excited to get his hands on an authentic Philly cheesesteak. He could not have been nicer and it’s those types of moments you just can’t get working anywhere else,” says Fantazzi.
In addition to Josh Peck, Fantazzi has had great run ins with comedian Mateo Lane, future hall-of-fame wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, and other incredibly nice celebrities.
The perks don’t end with celebrity sightings for Frank. For instance, he’s got easy access to the Whiz Pizza With cheesesteak that “has everything you could want in a roll.” He also is thankful for the leadership of Geno during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a member of the restaurant industry, I was worried. Geno and the management team took all of the necessary steps to protect employees and our customers. His leadership kept the ship afloat and we are all looking forward to putting COVID-19 in our rearview mirror,” says Fantazzi.
As far as the future, Fantazzi looks around and sees employees who have been working at Geno’s for decades. “The work environment at Geno’s can change your life. You can feel the tradition and pride and it is awesome to be a part of a legacy that stands the test of time.”