Cheesesteak Joint Places Its Own Order: English Only

It reads: "This Is America. When Ordering Please Speak English."

Vento, whose Italian grandparents arrived in America unable to speak English, faces a discrimination complaint from the city's Commission on Human Relations, which said the English-only sign may violate city laws.

At a time when illegal immigration has become a divisive national issue, the tiny sign above the bright orange tile at a local culinary institution has sharpened the debate in a neighborhood founded by Italian immigrants. Though some civic leaders are appalled, many Geno's customers insist that everyone in America should speak English -- and express themselves freely.

"Hey, what happened to freedom of speech?" customer Al Buck asked Tuesday, clutching a hot cheesesteak and sporting a T-shirt with a red, white and blue message: "Welcome to America -- Now Speak English."

Vento, 66, has said the sign is aimed at illegal immigrants in a community where the Mexican population has grown in recent years. He told the Associated Press on Monday that the sign would remain, even if the city fined him. "They would have to handcuff me and take me out because I'm not taking it down," he said.

City Councilman James F. Kenney has called the sign "divisive and mean-spirited," not to mention "bad for the neighborhood and bad for tourism." The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, concerned about the city's image, reminded everyone that the city values immigrants' "culture, vibrancy and history."

A Philadelphia Inquirer editorial called Vento's policies "boneheaded," which may explain why he is no longer speaking to the newspaper, or any newspaper.

"The papers twisted his words," said his son, Geno Vento, who was working the counter at lunchtime Tuesday.

Joey Vento was taking the day off, his son said, "resting his vocal cords" after a marathon round of TV interviews. Asked for a comment, Geno Vento replied, "This whole thing is getting out of hand."

The Commission on Human Relations will determine whether the sign violates the city's Fair Practices Act, said City Solicitor Romulo L. Diaz. If so, Diaz said, the city code calls for fines or imprisonment for failure to comply -- though the commission normally tries to resolve issues without sanctions.