GOOD EATS: Benny's brings a little east side Philly to town

HUNTINGTON -- When Benny's Cheesesteaks opened the doors of its Pullman Square location last year, the number of customers was so great that the restaurant was forced to close its doors mid-weekend due to the fact they had simply run out of food. Today, patrons of Pullman Square have more dining options, but Benny's remains popular.

"We're a true Philadelphia cheesesteak," restaurant owner Mary Harris said. "We're fast food but with quality. We bring in our breads from Amoroso's in South Philadelphia. Our meat, ribeye steak, also comes from Philadelphia."

Harris, a graduate of Marshall University, first became aware of the original Benny's location in Dublin, Ohio, after reading about it in a newspaper article. Falling in love with the restaurant, Harris contacted the owner about opening a franchise in Huntington.

Harris had returned to the city after her daughter, Sarah, began studying at Marshall. From there, it took Harris about eight months of hard work to prepare the new restaurant before opening.

Benny's offers nine different variations of cheesesteak, ranging from the Original (steak, onions, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise) to the meatless Veggietown sandwich. Chicken can be substituted for beef on any sandwich and carb-counting customers can order the Atkinsville sandwich served on lettuce without a roll. There are also a variety of chicken breast sandwiches as well as specialty items, such as the Italian Hoagie and the Ranch Wrap. Diners can customize their sandwiches with a variety of cheeses, vegetables and sauces.

"Our wings are also pretty popular," Harris said. "We have several different flavors ranging from garlic teriyaki to mild to 911 hot. We also serve a lot of salads and appetizers. However, I think everyone who comes here should try a cheesesteak."

Appetizers include breaded mushrooms, gourmet cheesesticks and loaded fries topped with bacon and cheddar cheese. Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory recently was added to the menu as a dessert option. Freshly squeezed lemonade and brewed ice tea are made on a daily basis.

"I have a couple of favorite sandwiches on the menu," Harris said. "The Buffaloville made with ribeye steak, cheese, onions and hot sauce is very good. The BBQ City made with onions, meat and BBQ sauce is also a tremendous sandwich. They are all pretty good though."

Benny's Cheesesteaks is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information or to place a catering order, call 304-523-9500. A complete menu and franchise history can be found online at www.bennyscheesesteak.com.