Franchising

Philly's Best opening first Northern California Location

Provided

June 3, 2020

Philly's Best, which serves Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies and fries, is opening its first Northern California location this summer in Oakland near the Oakland International Airport in the Hegenberger Gateway Retail Center, according to a company press release.

"Born and raised in Oakland, I know everything there is to know about the city and that includes what it's missing. Bruce and I fell head-over-heels for Philly's Best cheesesteaks and there is just nothing in Oakland, and all of Northern California for that matter, that comes close to the taste, quality and authenticity," franchisee Latrina Hopson said in the release. “We take great pride in having the responsibility, and ultimately the opportunity, to introduce the award-winning Philly's Best brand to Northern California, and we are eager for guests to experience Philly's Best for themselves.”

The Philly's Best story began when Philadelphia native Bob Levey was stationed in San Diego, California, while serving in the Navy. Far from home and finding no place to satisfy his cheesesteak cravings, the dream of bringing his favorite Philly food to Southern California was born. Along with his Philadelphian wife, Andrea, the couple opened the first Philly's Best Cheesesteak and Hoagie Shop in Fountain Valley in 1992. The brand now has 19 units.

"We feel very fortunate to have experienced so much success in Southern California; it's been a goal of ours for quite some time to bring Philly's Best to Northern California and we're proud to partner with the Hopsons to make this dream a reality," Bob Levey said in the release. "Philly natives in Southern California choose Philly's Best when they're craving a taste of home, and we're confident Philly transplants in Oakland will find that same comfort in a Philly's Best cheesesteak.”