RECAP: 1st Annual Philly Cheesesteak Festival

Obviously a lot of work was put into the 1st Annual Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival held Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Lincoln Financial Field, much was packed into the day and over 50 Cheesesteak Vendors participated. I’m sure you’ve heard by now, yes the lines were SUPER LONG, yet somehow most attendees seemed to remain in good spirits, and most were adhering to finding the very back
of the line and not trying to just insert themselves in the middle of a line out of “confusion”.

That being said, I’m sure this gentleman was not alone in being irate over the time it took to get even one quarter piece of cheesesteak. When George
Spilich saw my press badge, he asked to make a statement. See the below video for his assessment of the Philly Cheesesteak Festival (Note: Video will not be visible to those receiving T&T via RSS feed. Click HERE to view.

I gotta admit, there were a number of vendors I had to miss because I just couldn’t bare to wait; yet while I was in line I missed the Cheesesteak Challenge (sponsored by Astrafoods).

One of the vendors worth waiting for was Grubaholics Jerk Chicken Cheesesteak. After the festival I contacted the owners for a quote.

As a vendor, I had a neutral feeling about the festivities but from a tourist’s point of view, I understand why everyone was upset. We came into this unsure of how huge it was going to be because this is a first annual event. I staffed a couple of extra people and figured it would be sufficient. An hour into the event, I knew I should’ve brought in a couple more people. I have never seen a line so long outside of my window the entire time I’ve been in business and what made it special to me is hearing that our line was one of the longest lines at the festival. Natalie and I opened up Grubaholics with a mission in place, and that mission was to take over Philly so one day we will be mentioned with the big names. This festival was perfect for us to showcase our signature jerk chicken cheesesteak. – Thomas Smith and Natalie Daley, the owners of Grubaholics

Thomas and Natalie of Grubaholics are up next for Tinsel & Tine’s Food Truck Profile Series. It’s been a while since I’ve done one of those – stay tuned!

Got a chance to get a quick pic with the Philly Steak Sandwich Kings – Genos, Pats & Tony Luke’s

Philly Cheesesteak Festival Slideshow (Be sure to click the full screen option)

It wasn’t all cheesesteaks and beer. There were a lot of other cool vendors like the Free to Wander Mobile Boutique.

I bought this poncho sweater I know you’ll be seeing me on social media wearing all winter long!

And here’s a preview of the next Tinsel & Tine Giveaway – a six pack of Rocky’s Hot Sauce made in Glenside
“Home of the Best Tasting Hot Sauce…Period”

Bottom Line: It was a fun day, but next year, I think they should have it over 2 days and perhaps have timed tickets. I understand vendors were paid by the number of ticket/vouchers collected, but I did notice some were too busy to get tickets from every person. Next year, each vendor should probably have one person do nothing but collect tickets. I also would like to see a coffee vendor next year. I kinda wasn’t in the mood for beer, I felt like a nice cup of joe with my steak sandwiches, but there was no place to get a cup of coffee or dessert, so we hit Penrose diner on our way home.