When Navy veteran Bob Levey first stepped off a ship in San Diego, he had no idea he was laying eyes on what would eventually become the home of one of Southern California’s most beloved East Coast sandwich brands. But more than three decades later, he and his wife, Andrea, have taken a single sandwich shop and grown it into a celebrated franchise brand with more than 20 locations throughout Southern California – Philly’s Best Cheesesteaks.
Founded in 1992, Philly’s Best began with a simple mission: bring real, uncompromised Philly flavor to the West Coast. From Amoroso’s rolls and Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer to the sound of Eagles games playing in the background, the brand has always been about authenticity and heart. What began as a longshot idea, born from a craving for the comfort food of their hometown, the concept has evolved into a thriving, veteran-founded business built on hard work, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
From the Fleet to the Flat-Top
Before founding Philly’s Best Cheesesteaks, Bob’s journey took him from Philadelphia to the U.S. Navy, where he spent much of his time in the Indian Ocean, developing the discipline, leadership, adaptability and resilience that would later shape his approach to business. His service eventually stationed him in San Diego, a posting that left a lasting impression.
After completing his service, Bob returned to Philadelphia, but the pull of the West Coast never quite left him. Like many veterans, he sought a path where he could channel his work ethic and sense of purpose into something meaningful. So, when he and his wife Andrea decided to build something of their own, they chose to head back to Southern California, where Bob had once come ashore, and opened their first Philly’s Best location in a converted taco shop in Fountain Valley. With no staff and no backup plan, they poured everything into that shop: long hours, hard work, and the determination to do things the right way.
“We just opened it. Worked hard, made friends with our customers. We had no room for failure.” Bob once said in an interview with Franchise Times about those early years.
It’s a Philly Thing
From day one, Bob and Andrea made a conscious decision that set Philly’s Best apart: no shortcuts, no fads, no California-style twists. Just real cheesesteaks made the way Bob learned while growing up in Philly. That meant shipping in authentic ingredients that were unique to the East Coast, grilling every steak fresh, and creating a space that felt like home for Philly natives and locals alike.
Their dedication paid off. Philly transplants hungry for a real cheesesteak took notice. Customers would drive for miles just to get a bite that reminded them of home. Some began showing up with lawn chairs on game days, turning the shop into an unofficial gathering place for the Philly faithful amongst Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and Sixers memorabilia. Soon these customers became regulars. Word of mouth spread. Then came the next location and the next.
Growing the Brotherly Love
As Philly’s Best has expanded, Bob and Andrea have remained hands-on, mentoring franchisees and reinforcing the company’s original values at every turn. Even as the business grew beyond what they ever imagined, the Leveys never lost sight of their roots. They know that every detail—down to the way the onions are grilled—is a chance to make someone feel like they’ve come home. The company’s model is simple: stay true to the original recipe and treat its guests like family.
Looking ahead, Philly’s Best isn’t slowing down. With plans to continue expanding and an eye on preserving the integrity of their product, the Leveys remain committed to their founding vision. After all, as Bob puts it, “You don’t mess with a Philly classic—you just bring it to more people who deserve a taste.”
What started as a single storefront has evolved into a thriving franchise system, with passionate operators who share the same pride and commitment to quality that Bob and Andrea bring to the table.
A Veteran’s Legacy
For Bob Levey, the path from Navy vet to restaurant founder wasn’t a straight line, but his military background played a pivotal role. The discipline, adaptability, and perseverance that the Navy instilled in him became the foundation for Philly’s Best.
From scrubbing down the grill at midnight to scouting out locations and managing supply chains, Bob brings a mission-first mentality to everything he does. It isn’t just about cheesesteaks. It’s about building something real with his wife, his community, and his hometown.
Today, Bob and Andrea’s legacy lives on through every sandwich served, every Hank’s soda cracked open, and every Eagles fan who finds a little piece of Philly thousands of miles from Broad Street.
The brand stands as a testament to what’s possible when military values meet entrepreneurial vision.