After noticing a lack of Philly Cheesesteak offerings in Sydney’s inner west, ex-Philadelphia restaurateur Antonio Tarzia decided to do something about it.
The result is Fat Franks, a recently opened ode to Americana in Newtown. Located on the main drag of King Street, the family-oriented venue is exclusively focused on replicating classic Philadelphia comfort food, including cheesesteaks, hero subs, shakes and salads.
At the core of the menu is the Amoroso Roll, which Tarzia says is the seal of authenticity for any Philly Cheesesteak. The crispy roll is filled with quality Australian beef, Australian-grown onions and liquid cheese flown straight from the USA.
“Without an Amoroso Roll, it’s simply not a Philly Cheesesteak,” says Tarzia. “Without the badge, a Ferrari is just a car on four wheels and an Amoroso Roll complements with a Philly Cheesesteak is all about.”
Diners can choose between five types of cheesesteak on the menu at Fat Franks: plain, mushroom, pepper, mushroom pepper or chicken. Elsewhere, the menu is divided into Fat Hero’s (such as the Fat Tony, made with four-hour roasted pulled pork with crackling and “old-school” gravy), salads, Fat Fries, and Fat Shakes.
Fat Franks Newtown is Tarzia’s second Sydney venue. His latest eatery is a sister restaurant to Fat Franks Wetherill Park, which was opened in 2017.
“Newtown is a diverse, cultured whirlpool,” says Tarzia of his choice of a second location. “Every day you don’t know what you’re going to get, but we love the people here. The guests each have their own identity, they wear cool clothes and speak differently to us out west, and that’s what I love.
“Newtown reminds me of South Philly: rough around the edges, but soft to the core, full of colour and spice.”
Fat Franks Newtown is now open for dine-in and takeaway daily from 11am.