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Philly Cheesesteak Legend Joey Vento Dies

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Restaurant Geno’s also famous because of his politics.

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Matt Rourke / AP Photo

Philadelphia cheesesteak legend Joey Vento, whose restaurant Geno’s Steaks became a Tea Party favorite when he insisted all customers “order in English,” died Tuesday of a heart attack. He was 71. Vento first opened Geno’s in 1966—it was then called Joe’s Steak Place—and it soon became known as one of the city’s best cheesesteak shops. Vento courted some controversy in recent years, becoming a conservative hero when he insisted that all his customers speak English. Geno’s remained open Tuesday night, fulfilling its reputation as a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week operation.

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