Joey Merlino is renovating and reopening a South Philly cheesesteak spot:

“We’re gonna gut it, fix it, gonna be the cleanest, best cheesesteak place in the city. If you’re going to any sporting events, Flyers, Sixers, Phillies, concerts, Eagles, come by here stop and see me, I’ll be behind the grill making steaks. It’s gonna be the best in the city, believe me.”

Joey says Broad and Packer, but it’s actually closer to the Pollock Street side. It’s the old Ace of Steaks, next to the gas station at the 76 overpass. It’s about a block and a half south of Marconi Plaza and walkable to Citizens Bank Park and those north side parking lots.

Maybe Comcast and the Phillies should add this to their sports complex master plan. They should bring Joey in as a partner. That would really spice up the Sixers arena battle. On one side, you’ve got Josh Harris, labor leaders, and the black clergy. On the other side, it’s Comcast, the Phillies, Joey Merlino, Chinatown, and Howard Eskin. Let’s get those press releases out, pronto!