The Schmitter is back on the Citizens Bank Park menu, and it’s returning in time for the MLB All-Star Game and the rest of the season.
Aramark confirmed the sandwich will be available at Pass & Stow for the remainder of the year, ending a long absence from the ballpark.
The Schmitter is a hybrid cheesesteak of sorts, built with steak, onions and cheese, but also salami and tomatoes, all served on a round Kaiser roll. It comes from McNally’s Tavern in Chestnut Hill.
The sandwich was sold at Citizens Bank Park from 2004 through 2016. For most of that stretch, it was in section 140 before moving in 2013 to a pop-up-style stand across the way, while Federal Donuts took over the original location, which had a larger kitchen setup. At the time, Schmitter proprietor Joe Pie said the move made it impossible to keep making the sandwich at the quality they wanted.
“Bottom line, they don’t have the space for the Schmitter right now. (said Pie) But we’re hoping to get back on the active roster sooner rather than later.”
Aramark said it had talked with Pie this offseason about keeping the Schmitter at the park. In a statement, the company said:
“Since the opening of Citizens Bank Park, the Schmitter has played an important role in helping establish Ashburn Alley as one of baseball’s premier food destinations. We had several conversations with Joe this off-season in an effort to continue serving the Schmitter at the ballpark.
We respect Joe’s decision and thank him for his partnership and for bringing the Schmitter to Phillies fans for over ten years. We remain hopeful of finding a solution that will allow us to offer the Schmitter in the future.
We take great pride in showcasing and featuring Philadelphia’s distinctive tastes and favorite sandwiches at the ballpark and we look forward to continuing to do so this season and beyond.”
Now, the Schmitter is headed back to the ballpark.
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