‘Skinny Joey’ Merlino Opens Cheesesteak Shop in South Philly

A new cheesesteak shop has opened in South Philly. Skinny Joey's Cheesesteaks is serving up this Philadelphia staple at a restaurant experience that has been in the making for more than a year.

"This is my hometown This is where I am from — born and raised," said owner "Skinny Joey" Merlino. "We're the best. Everybody likes us. Even my haters like me."

According to an Action News 6abc report, Merlino's reference to "haters" is an acknowledgment of his past when, in the 1990s, the FBI claimed that Merlino overthrew then Philly crime boss John Stanfa.

Merlino served time in prison for several convictions, including bookmaking, extortion, and racketeering, 

Now, Merlino endeavors to turn his first cheesesteaks restaurant into a significant cheesesteak franchise. He has also started a podcast, "The Skinny Podcast," with co-host Joe "Lil Snuff" Perri, who is also a managing partner of Skinny Joey's Cheesesteaks.