Rick’s Steaks Loses Legal Battle

Hey, while nobody was paying attention, a judge issued a ruling on May 9 that effectively ended Rick’s Steaks’ battle to stay in the Reading Terminal Market. Sadness! KYW 1060 gets the quote from Rick Olivieri himself:

“That’s getting a little too legal for me, you might want to contact my attorney about that.”

Oh. Ha ha, they actually broadcast that quote on the radio several times! Rick’s Steaks was originally supposed to be out of the market by June 2007, so he bought himself about a year.

Judge’s Ruling a Setback for Rick’s Steaks [KYW 1060]

Newly-Formed Group To Rally At Reading Terminal

It’s only a few weeks until Rick’s Philly Steaks is kicked out of the Reading Terminal. And, as such, the merchants and friends of Rick Oliveri have scheduled a good old fashioned rally on Saturday.

There will be, um, a news conference at 10 a.m. Saturday, which will include (presumably) Rick Oliveri, past and present market merchants and, of course, members of FORM, Friends of Rick and the Market. Yes, there is already a group with an acronym defending Rick from eviction.

And, of course, t-shirts, hats and buttons will be sold to aid in Rick’s legal defense. Clearly, this is the most important rally against injustice in Philadelphia since the Second Continental Congress. Godspeed.

Reading Terminal merchants rally behind Rick’s [Inquirer]
July 5: Something Is Rotten In The Market Of Reading Terminal

Something Is Rotten In The Market Of Reading Terminal

Nowadays, the only real cheesesteak news is how Joey Vento of Geno’s has singlehandedly destroyed the immigration bill, saving America from the Mexican menace. But there’s a new cheesesteak controversy: Rick’s Steaks has been kicked out of Reading Terminal.

Rick’s owner Rick Oliveri, who managed to supplant Geno’s as one of the Ashburn Alley steak vendors in Citizens Bank Park this season, says he’s being kicked out because, as president of the merchants’ association, negotiated longer hours and a few other things. Oliveri doesn’t say who’s angry — management? other vendors? — but he does say something is up: “I think it’s retaliation. It’s a concern for merchants, and as president, to make sure merchants are getting the best bang for the dollar at the Reading Terminal Market.”

Tony Luke’s will be replacing Rick’s at Reading Terminal after Rick’s vacates by July 31. I think we all know who’s to blame: The Pennsylvania Dutch. They’re always up to no good!

Long-Time Reading Terminal Merchant Gets the Boot [KYW 1060]
Mind your language at Geno’s [BBC]