One of the best sandwich shops in Sarasota shuttered earlier this year and is still deeply missed by those of us who treat a great handheld with the same reverence others reserve for haute cuisine.
And as a Pennsylvania native, I’ve always felt it’s my duty to point people toward a proper cheesesteak — and Gentile’s always hit the spot.
Tucked away in a strip mall at 7523 S. Tamiami Trail, Gentile’s Cheesesteaks was where a family of Philadelphians had been serving their hometown’s most famous sandwich since 2012, in a cozy shop decorated with Philly sports memorabilia.
The cheesesteaks featured 100% ribeye, shaved daily, stacked into fresh, soft rolls flown in from Amoroso’s Baking Company in Philadelphia. I liked mine topped with grilled onions, sweet and hot peppers, and provolone. Others — including co-owner Sam Long himself — swore by Cheez Whiz, which is also a very tasty option.
The Long family announced on May 31 that they were “heading on vacation soon” and “today is your last chance to get your cheesesteak fix before we take a break!”
Instead of reopening this summer, though, they bid farewell. Fortunately, another promising cheesesteak destination is set to open in the same spot — just a bit later than originally anticipated.
What’s the history of Gentile’s in Sarasota?
Philly native Sam Long and his wife, Erica, purchased what was then called Gentile Bros. Authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteaks & Hoagies from Sam’s uncle, William Gentile, in 2019. Sam had worked in the shop previously, according to Herald-Tribune archives, and after taking over, kept the menu basically the same.
“Our most popular item is the cheesesteak with Whiz and onions,” Long told the Herald-Tribune. “The version with provolone is another favorite but when people try the original one with cheese Whiz, they are surprised at how much they like it. We do get an amazing amount of people from Philly.”
The Longs served countless cheesesteaks to Philadelphians and Sarasotans alike before informing their loyal customers they had “decided to move on from the business.”
“From us here at Gentile’s Steaks we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support and dedication,” reads the Facebook post from July 16. “Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just recently discovered our cheesesteaks, you’ve become part of what makes this place special. Your loyalty, smiles, and amazing conversations are what kept us going.”
In the same goodbye note, the Gentile/Long family announced they had secured a replacement for their sandwich shop.
“Our friends from up north, Johnny Longhots and Steaks, and the owners of the Quality Philly steak meat plant will be taking over the shop,” reads the post.
“They have come together to bring you the best of the best. They’ll be using the same high-quality meat and rolls you’ve come to love, with some exciting new additions to the menu! We’re confident you’ll enjoy what they have in store and encourage you to stop by and give them a warm Philly welcome.”
Johnny Longhots and Steaks to replace Gentile’s in Sarasota
There are Johnny Longhots locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that use the same logo displayed on the Johnny Longhots and Steaks Sarasota Facebook page, which now shares the same URL as the former Gentile’s page: facebook.com/gentilebros.
The Johnny Longhots in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, serves numerous cheesesteaks as well as items such as a “pork diablo,” Buffalo wrap, Johnny Black Cherry Soda, chicken salad wrap, and Italian hot dog.
The website notes that the restaurants get their name from a real Johnny Longhots, a charismatic uncle from Brooklyn who loved Italian long hot peppers — a type of chili pepper that’s long, thin, and usually green (sometimes turning red as it ripens). They’re a staple of Philadelphia and South Jersey cooking, especially with cheesesteaks, hoagies, and Italian sandwiches.
At the Johnny Longhots in Pennsylvania, the namesake cheesesteak is topped with mushrooms, fried onions, long hots, and provolone.
When is Johnny Longhots and Steaks in Sarasota opening?
Johnny Longhots and Steaks in Sarasota could not be immediately reached for comment. However, the Facebook page notes in its intro section that they will be opening in December, after previously stating Oct. 1.
“We’re getting close to opening, and we couldn’t be more excited!” reads the restaurant’s post from Nov. 12. “Stay tuned for our grand opening date.”
As a longtime fan of Gentile’s — Bill Gentile made me the single greatest cheesesteak I’ve had south of Jersey back in 2018, shortly before our beloved Eagles trounced the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII — I’m still saddened to see it go. That said, I’m excited for Johnny Longhots, and plan to bring some of their sandwiches home for an Eagles game or two later this season.
Because if there’s one thing better than a great cheesesteak, it’s a great cheesesteak while the Birds are winning on the big screen.
Wade Tatangelo is Audience Director for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: New Sarasota restaurant with a loyal sandwich following is ‘getting close to opening’
Reporting by Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
