(April 26, 2013) When Ira Mensh visits a fast food restaurant, he typically orders one thing.
“As long as I’ve been eating out at fast food places, the only thing I really eat is cheesesteaks,” he said.
Mensh owned a gourmet hot dog shop in the 94th Street mall from 1988-1991. He opened Jackson Chicken, featuring wood-burning rotisserie chicken, in 1995 in West Ocean City. When a unit recently became available on 118th Street, he decided to go into the food business again.
He took over the space that had been home to Brianna’s Bananas Cafe, about four months ago. After some remodeling and installing a large grill, Mensh was scheduled to open Supremo Cheesesteaks on Thursday.
“I like food. I saw an opportunity to fill a need in this town,” he said.
The eatery specializes in cheesesteaks. The main ingredient is hand-cut premium Angus rib-eye steaks “because it’s the best,” Mensh said. More than a half-pound of meat fills each sandwich.
The steak can be topped with American cheese, sharp provolone or Cheese Whiz, and fresh vegetables, including onions, mushrooms and peppers, lettuce and tomatoes all served on bread baked locally.
“If you look up ‘supreme’ in the dictionary, it says ‘the best of the best.’ I use only the best ingredients,” Mensh said. “We’re all about the cheesesteak. That’s all we do, that’s why we do it the best. When you come here to eat, you’ll have the best experience.”
He will also sell chicken cheesesteaks, hand-cut fries cooked in peanut oil and an assortment of salads and thick milkshakes.
Daily specials will be offered, as well. Indoor and outdoor seating on the bay is available.
Supremo Cheesesteaks opens at 11 a.m. daily. It will stay open for the late-night patrons.
