Cheesesteak Joint Places Its Own Order: English Only

Over the last quarter-century, South Philadelphia has been transformed from an Italian-American enclave to a melting pot of whites, blacks, Vietnamese, Cambodians and Latinos. Next door to Geno's is a Vietnamese-owned hoagie shop. Two doors down is La Lupe, a taqueria that serves $2 grilled pork tacos. There were two diners at La Lupe at lunchtime Tuesday, and a smattering of customers at the hoagie shop.

The line at Geno's spilled into the street and blocked the sidewalk, serenaded by speakers that played "God Bless America" and the Marine Corps hymn. Several customers said they dropped by Tuesday to have a look at the sign. It was difficult to spot amid the photos of celebrities who have downed Geno's cheesesteaks (Bill Clinton, Rudolph Giuliani, Shaquille O'Neal); police and firefighter badges; and patriotic posters, including one with the words "Proud to Be an American."

Lan Le, 38, a Newport Beach resident who was gnawing on a Geno's cheesesteak, said she spoke no English when she arrived in the U.S. from Vietnam at age 11. Her husband, Roman Le, said he spoke no English when he arrived from Germany at age 6.

"If people come to America, they ought to learn English, like I did," Lan Le said.

Her husband added: "I had to learn it. It's not that hard."

Natasha Milosevich, who came to the U.S. from Yugoslavia 35 years ago, said she dined at Geno's to show her support.

"This guy is being crucified for saying something a lot of us believe," Milosevich said. "This is a free country. If you don't like the sign, you can go back home."