Although the Cheesesteak Sandwich originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Philly Connection® concept was developed and introduced to Atlanta in 1984 with the first restaurant opening - that first restaurant continues to operate today! The company then opened additional locations and, in 1988, franchise operations commenced.
Philly Connection® developed a recipe for the steak meat used to make Philly Connection's® Proprietary Cheesesteak sandwich. The recipe included a certain cut of whole-muscle beef, a secret marinade, and a special processing technique that produces a high-quality, great-tasting, juicy, tender sliced steak product that is still used today by the Philly Connection® network of Franchise restaurants.
The Beginning
1988
It takes a chef extraordinaire to combine common day-to-day ingredients in an uncommon fashion and create a dish that becomes synonymous with the city or province of its origin. If its appeal is universal enough, it becomes a culinary legend.
Some 95 years ago, such a miracle happened in depression-era Philadelphia. The cheesesteak sandwich was born, destined to be recognized in the United States and internationally as a most adaptable steak product.
The Steak
Q.What makes Philly Connection® steak different or better than other steak meat on the market today?
A. High quality ingredients. It's the combination of high-quality steak, the secret marinade, and the manufacturing process.
What's in the secret marinade?
That's a company secret! The marinade enhances the flavor and juiciness of the high-quality steak.
Auburn, Al
2005
August 2005, The Philly Connection in Auburn Reopens under new management. Sunel Merchant, father of 2, reopens Philly Connection with a dream to introduce the south to authentic Philly cheesesteaks. Over the next decade, Sunel along with his wife Sonia would go on to win numerous awards for their culinary expertiese.
To the Real Heroes
Every 9/11 since 2005 owner, Sunel Merchant, has served the local public safety members at no cost to remember and honor those who risk their lives every day to keep us safe. Sunel is a 9/11 survivor and remembers how fearlessly the public safety community came together and kept him and several others safe on that infamous day. In numerous interviews Sunel relates the public safety to heroes like Superman or Batman, who go out everyday and risk their lives for the safety of the community.