The Owners of Angelo’s, Pearl’s Oyster Bar, & DiNic’s Just Opened a New Cheesesteak Spot in the Reading Terminal

Two Reading Terminal veterans have partnered with a South Philly favorite to open a new concept with familiar flavors at Philadelphia’s historic public Market. Uncle Gus’ Steaks opened this week under the leadership of Joey Nicolosi of Tommy DiNic’s, Dave Braunstein of Pearl’s Oyster Bar, and Danny DiGiampietro of Angelo’s Pizzeria South Philly.

“This is three local icons joining together to create another exceptional option for a Philly favorite on the menu at the Market,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager, Reading Terminal Market Corporation. “We’re excited to welcome Danny into the mix and can’t wait to see this group succeed and build on the legacy of several beloved businesses.”

The menu is as simple as can be, offering 12” steak sandwiches with a choice of cheese and toppings. Fans of Angelo’s will be excited to hear the classic cheesesteaks at Uncle Gus’ will be served on DiGiampietro’s house-made bread. Produce toppings will be sourced from inside the Market at Iovine Brother’s Produce.

“Our focus is on familiar ingredients done at the highest level possible,” said Braunstein. “Customers can expect an enormous emphasis on quality and freshness. If anyone thinks this will be an exact copy of any of our existing restaurants, I think they’re going to be pleasantly surprised at how we plan to stand out.”

The trio have a connected history rooted, unsurprisingly, in the Philadelphia-area food industry. Prior to opening his first pizzeria in Haddonfield, DiGiampietro ran a bread route and delivered to both DiNic’s and Pearl’s at Reading Terminal Market. Though Nicolosi and DiGiampietro grew up in South Jersey together, Braunstein’s friendship with DiGiampietro started in Haddonfield as a patron of the original Angelo’s. Loyal Angelo’s customers might recognize the Braunstein name as Dave’s brother, Jared, is manager of the South Philly Pizzeria.

The new spot is named for Nicolosi’s great uncle Gus, a fixture in the Market for nearly 30 years. Uncle Gus was known for singing opera for customers as he worked the register at Tommy DiNic’s. Even after retirement, he was a loyal Market customer until he passed away in 2009 and is fondly remembered by many longtime shoppers, diners, and fellow merchant owners.

Uncle Gus’ occupies the space formerly home to Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagies and Cheesesteaks. After 42 years as a Market staple, Carmen Diguglielmo is passing the torch to the next generation.

“When I started thinking about retirement, I knew I wanted to keep this business in the Market family. It worked out well to have this idea Dave and Joey always had in the back of their minds quickly became a reality,” said Diguglielmo. “Thank you to everyone who came and ate with us over the years. It was a pleasure meeting and serving customers from all over the world. I know these guys will make something great that our customers will love.”

Uncle Gus’ Steaks will be open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. seven days a week.