Working A Shift At An Iconic Philly Cheesesteak Restaurant | Bon Appétit

Ever wonder what it's like to work a shift at an iconic cheesesteak spot in Philadelphia? Step behind the counter with Brad Leone as he's given a crash course on keeping the grill sizzling and customers happy at Dalessandro's Steaks, courtesy of co-owner Margie Kotridis.
Director: Dan Siegel
Director of Photography: Kevin Dynia
Editor: Kris Knight
Talent: Brad Leone, Margie Kotridis
Producer: Christie Garcia
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Associate Producers: Dimitri Lazarashvili
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Camera Operator: David Castellano
Assistant Camera: Max Nemhauser
Audio: Mike Guggino
Production Assistant: Connor Kavvas
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araújo
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
Graphics Supervisor: Léa Kichler
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Bon Appétit is a highly opinionated food brand that wants everyone to love cooking and eating as much as we do. We believe in seasonal produce, properly salted pasta water, and developing recipes that anyone can make at home.

[@Superia1oo]

It’s amazing how brad can still stand up straight after carrying BA all these years.

[@MsGscoot]

facts

[@jameshollis3107]

RIGHT I hope they are paying him well

[@redeye1016]

What’s amazing is how this unoriginal comment is still doing the rounds. Think this is the 1000th time I’ve read this with this exact wording.

[@ABitefLife]

@@redeye1016 simple creatures online .. not much originality

[@dowkinners4106]

@@redeye1016 because it’s still so relevant, now more than ever. The golden days of BA are over. If Brad did a Jonny Harris and branched off to his own channel I’m sure he’d absolutely kill it!

[@chrismegusta]

Anyone who has worked in service knows EXACTLY how this lady sounds when she's mad

[@keynotepablo3524]

im having PTSD flashbacks reading this comment, phew

[@ParadoxicalThird]

And as a nice bonus you're also being drastically underpaid to be treated badly. Spoilers: Dalessandro's pays barely above minimum wage.

[@HenryHarcsa]

Compare it to Day In The Life of The #1 BBQ In Texas made by Alvin Zhou

[@solsoman102]

@@ParadoxicalThirdamerica really has a wage problem when being paid *above* minimum wage is being drastically underpaid

[@Fpvpilot928]

Reopening after 2020, all restaurants decided they could only offer journeymen cooks minimum wage +$1-$2. That's when I decided the industry just doesn't care about its workers. Painful to leave an industry you've given a decade to, but a couple years later, I'm now just a second year automotive technician, and have already doubled my income compared to a journeyman cook with over a decade experience. This industry is just not worth the headache. No holidays, terrible pay, horrible bosses, entitled customers. I love cooking, but not the industry.

[@javierc7285]

Our Mexican brothers always running restaurants with no issues 👏🏽👏🏽

[@rubenwat]

That one guy was side eyeing Brad and the crew the whole time

[@tylersheppard9601]

@@rubenwat affirmative you know what..

[@rubenwat]

@@tylersheppard9601 was that you in the video?

[@BertRedd]

@@rubenwatyeah. Exactly why I came to the comments. Dudes aren’t paid enough to give a f about some random film crew. Hope they got some sort of bonus for the day. Doubt it tho.

[@Luna.3.3.3]

My much-missed Anthony Bourdain said similar when he was head chef at Les Halles. I believe he said Mexican & South Americans were THE best in the kitchen. They learned fast and did everything fast. ~RIP Tony. Miss you like crazy

[@juliak9189]

"this ones coming in like hieroglyphics " 😂 Brad is a gem!

[@nickfaver]

Footage of Brad mispronouncing things, being corrected, and saying “that’s what I said” will never get old

[@WolfieeifloW]

A compilation of this NEEDS to be made.

[@chelseanyland]

Pepper-ika

[@jqon813]

Brad seems like a good guy.

[@joakimbomelin]

Miss the good old "wurdur" days.

[@citylumberjack9169]

IN fairness, plenty of locals call it Delassandro's as well.

[@JoshMarshain]

This seems like a terrifying day, regardless of how good you are in a kitchen

[@easyyeye]

honestly da pace is hectic

[@dfdshfdsfj]

exactly lol

[@corystansbury]

There are certain things where skill cannot, in almost any way, replace time on the job. This is one of those.

[@angryeeyore6945]

Handwritten tickets are nightmare fuel.

[@matthewmc4363]

Hahah well said.

[@richardandrade9418]

Only brad can do this, he has the best attitude n most positive energy. There is no breaking him and he still manages to be entertaining. This man is a treasure

[@OfficialPepe]

I am almost 100% certain that not only brad can do this.

[@fbrm3621]

@@OfficialPepe☝️🤓

[@ichigopimp97]

@@OfficialPepe “umm actually 🤓”

[@iggypopisgod9]

its only one day...doubt he would last 6 mos

[@salkdhfpoahergpoahre1534]

knows how good of a gig he has haha

[@deebo5474]

I love that he actually puts effort into it like he needs that $10 an hour

[@ktktktktktktkt]

I missed you Brad. You and Chris are the only reasons why I still watch this channel.

[@AlizaJayne]

100% agreed

[@itmeurdad]

I have some news...

[@ramboxmunoz]

SSSSAAAAAMMMMMEEEE

[@SandraudigaVali]

@@itmeurdad good or bad news lol

[@itmeurdad]

@@SandraudigaVali bad AND good! Brad isn't with BA anymore but had said he was going to do independent content.

[@uplynxx7322]

That woman is a SALESWOMAN, she sold those 2 practically every upcharge and even threw in a “ima just give you both” AND THEY WERE HAPPY. Power of a positive attitude people

[@Sean-xu5ti]

The side peppers are free G

[@draneym2003]

🙄

[@chriswilson1968]

​@@Sean-xu5tiThey aren't free lol the cost is baked in.

[@todtalk3912]

I love how much she cares about the customer. Excellent service. She is what every business owner should be. Not trying to skimp on everything. Plus the competition is steep there.

[@Kjhd9987hy]

except pay.

[@KolorJunk1e]

hey i appreciate everyone at BA, but man brad just strictly needs his own full time show i guess he already does basically but we need more !! all the it’s alive i swear i go and rewatch them so much , anytime i see brad i watch . LOVE U BRADLEY

[@alexsmith5571]

1000 percent agree.

[@Lorise77]

I've probably watched the Alaska episodes 10+ times THIS YEAR alone. What a character!

[@scotterd]

I dip into this channel occasionally and its only for Brad

[@heavyxhand]

He just left BA and will upload his own videos in June

[@0XiDiZE]

@@heavyxhand what!

[@cptmuska]

The way she treats the customers is UNREAL!

[@Ammut6]

They dont call it customer service for nothing lol

[@therealrobin8128]

How?

[@forceoneX]

Philly baby. Stop bitchin

[@Nyob73]

How????

[@DB-xo6xh]

The charisma with the customers was off the CHARTS!

[@corvettez069]

The way he holds himself together with a good attitude is unreal

[@ComfortableTool86]

All those other cooks did not appreciate having a new guy and cameras in the kitchen lol

[@phaedrabacker2004]

No doubt. Hehehehe.

[@MPPCvd]

Feels like my first day at the local fish shop. Felt so in over my head. Made me appreciate the people who do similar jobs quietly, efficiently and make it look easy. It certainly is not. I will never underestimate a seasoned (no pun intended) hospitality veteran. And I always appreciate Brad. Wouldn't mind one of those sandwiches right about now!

[@MoHimdi]

And people call these jobs “unskilled” smh 🤦‍♂️

[@SalemPhiladelphia]

They’re ok. There are better spots in Philly

[@kodywillnauer9422]

Most Philly person I’ve ever meet was exactly what I was thinking. Those sandwiches look delicious.

[@luminosity6]

One of the best spots. Jims is probably #1

[@nbungerko]

@@luminosity6 Jims burned down a few back. They are rebuilding, hope its the same. Miss that place when visiting Philly.

[@caglioso]

@@nbungerko yea it’s a shame what happened to Jim’s. Some say it’s a tourist trap but it’s still an institution that made a great steak. Hope they come back strong.

[@unaffiliated_razorblade]

@@luminosity6 and will be again. I hear after Labor day this year.

[@Sisoly12123]

It’s not the best it’s overrated

[@numberoneappgames]

I love how respectful Brad was and that lady was super kind.

[@HollyRose1529]

I worked in restaurants for years, this stressed me tfo 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Brad, you did great being thrown in there! Props to the awesome woman running that insane,fast paced, delicious Philly cheese steak spot!

[@curlyhairdudeify]

Same, I got PTSD watching elks video.

[@VW.907]

People are so genuine,Brad is genuine. Classic series!

[@Csaysit]

Haven’t watched BA in a while, this was a great episode! Missed Brad, glad to see he’s still producing great content!

[@bethanya99]

Loved the dynamic between Brad and the owner, so great. Also She sounds like a good boss.

[@The_Forseti]

This was such a great episode. I love that they don't salt anything until the order is in if the customer wants salt.

[@markchristopher4165]

He picked a good shop to learn! That place is an icon, though there are a bunch of fantastic cheesesteak spots in and around the city.

[@UberAV]

Dalessandro's is my fave. It's not even close. If I was working a show downtown and they wanted to buy 50 cheesesteak's for the crew, it'd be Dalessandro's despite being outside of center city.

[@GreenGardenGamer]

Dalessandro's is a gem and I'm really happy to see them showcased here. There's not much that goes into a Philly cheesesteak, but like she said it's about the ingredients - and letting them shine. I worked at a burger joint that had a similar vibe in the kitchen and it's vids like this that make me miss those days

[@kingkench888]

Dalessandros worst cheesesteak in the city lol bad taste buds

[@MoHimdi]

@@kingkench888Not even in the city, it’s in Delco

[@kingkench888]

@@MoHimdi Complete opposite way dog....

[@kingkench888]

@@MoHimdi you managed to make an even more stupider comment than the original

[@jtconboy310]

@MoHimdi, yes it is in the city, Roxborough section of Phila. Not Delco. Oh, also, definitely NOT the best in the city.

[@Mike_C-79]

Its so cool seeing this guy who's an accomplished chef waiting on everyday customers. I gotta lot of respect for him putting himself out there like that.

[@rolandbullock6444]

Very honorable that you take on these challenges man, just the stress alone would have me walking out after an hour! Rock on bro

[@beemerwt4185]

That is genuinely an insane amount of meat. Like 90 sandwiches and they still might not even have enough? This would make me faint. And she's such a lovely woman.

[@jimlahey3919]

They sell 90 just during lunch on a weekday

[@adelheidsnel5171]

I love you Brad! You make me happy all the time, thanks!

[@totenfurwotan4478]

This is making me crave a classic Philly cheesesteak big time. these are so traditional its brining me back to the local deli i grew up around

[@Trevtao]

Brad is the best! I bet he has forgotten more than I know about cooking but its great to see he is just like everyone else cooking under a bit of pressure. l love his book too!

[@Reidbit]

Love Brad. He is such a wonderful soul.

[@AlexandraAndStuff]

One of my biggest dreams is to one day go on a culinary tournee around America. I watch so much cooking content, and I'm in Poland, so as much as I can make a lot of things myself, I would just love to taste the original flavors

[@guymorris6596]

I hope you have the opportunity to travel to America and visit all the different areas. We do have a wide variety of food on offer both in restaurants and at food trucks/trailers/carts. I know you will enjoy your culinary adventure.

[@MartiniGTGP]

let me know Aleksandra! I'm in Nebraska in the US and this is a dream of mine as well!

[@deletebilderberg]

Make sure to visit Austin, TX for the food trucks!! 🤤

[@JohnStockton-gi8pp]

Id say try LA, NY, Atlanta, and any of the big cities in Texas. Might take you a couple weeks though.

[@MysteriousMM]

This lady is a true gem! I love her training methods and her command of the ship! She’s a true asset to a staple in Philly

[@kyliephillips7716]

Thanks Brad, I started a new job recently and I've been a bundle of nerves. You give me confidence to try hard, throw myself into things, and fail until I don't!

[@ZachGBM]

Brad is an icon, I would crumble into pieces at each of these stations.

[@keptcmack5601]

So happy to have brad back, never wished I could be a chef more

[@cgwami]

Loved Dalessandro’s when I visited Philly! Thought they had the best cheesesteak out of the four I tried. Those line cooks are skilled!

[@JenniferJadeKerr]

I love that "fill rolls by feel." Reminds me of my little German grandmother teaching me to make potato strudel: "Cook it until it sounds done."

[@lynnna5136]

Brad is a great tv personality. I hope he keeps making videos.

[@TashJansson]

this was stressful!! props to line cooks everywhere 💪

[@ThatFreikugel]

Being a newbie and learning the ways of a restaurant is very stressful. Man, this brings back feelings I never wanted to resurface.

[@DugEphresh]

This guy is genuine, what's not to like? I love the great attitude! Thanks for what you do brother

[@attention_shopping]

so great. so efficient and informative. a real busy restaurant rush

[@davisreid7265]

Love to see Brad back.

[@Nokenify]

I love Brad. Do more of these! I think he coped very well with the pressure. I would collapse, lol.

[@4ndy_Mac]

This place is a madhouse as a customer, good to know its the same in the kitchen

[@jeffshootsstuff]

Good to see Brad. He seems like a genuinely good guy.

[@ProfessorPoliwag]

These are the traits I aspire to have, Thank you for sharing the "first day in the kitchen" experience!

[@AlanCox321]

I went to college around here about a decade ago. Makes me so happy every time I see it showcased

[@obancameron]

Brad: you're a pillar of this channel. Go solo anytime and we will follow, stick around and so will we. keep it up bud

[@andreasn6242]

I grew up down Walnut Lane just into Germantown and this was a staple growing up. Love to see the recognition and exposure this place has gotten! American wit and crushed hots for the win! Their hoagies are also arguably the best in the city

[@sunilp5773]

Brad is back! Loved watching this. This was a good one Vinny

[@motosilver9489]

I love the way this girl gives out instructions!

[@davidorourkesr]

Brad brings it!. We definitely deserve more Brad & Chris content 👏

[@CelltheGREAT]

Major facts

[@rhyboy1]

im always impressed how brad can just adapt and do it... i havnt seen him fail anything food related yet.. exept for 'slinging sausages' XD

[@DrSchweppes]

this was amazing, we need more of these Brad restaurant style videos

[@jameswhitt7921]

I love this advice. I have been reading about differential training, and this gave me a good visual of what that might look like. New subscribe.

[@kbflorida7985]

He's doing a far better job than I could. Fast learner with cooking skills.

[@scottpitner4298]

I’ve cooked in many restaurants and this seems pretty intense and fast paced. Just getting right in there and you either match what’s needed or they’d yank you outta there lol. Brings back memories of busy lunches, dinner services and banquets

[@arkansquatch2172]

I think these are my favorite videos. I love watching people put in the weeds while seeing behind the curtain.

[@Ffrozen12]

I love this series KEEP IT UP!! LETS GOOOOO

[@snakejohnfan2]

Man I feel I’m working there with him , I get so nervous and get anxiety haha

[@norkmork9955]

How to make a 40yo man feel like a 14yo all over again LOL Food service is INTENSE

[@Awildfjellman]

I loved when the music came in when service had started, you could almost feel the sweat on brads face :D

[@bigfkndummy]

MORE BRAD VIDEOS PLEEEEASE! really missing it’s alive

[@GabGotti3]

The fact she doesn’t salt her meat is insane. Crazy. Also a lot deli’s lie to you when they say it’s “ribeye”. 8 times out of 10 it’s shaved cheaper cuts.

[@randysvids4774]

I mean if people still likes the cheesesteaks, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[@jc3drums916]

@@randysvids4774 It's not hard to like something that's just okay when you are unaware that it could be better.

[@ashleydavis3318]

@@jc3drums916 If it's top-rated I doubt it's worse than the next guy.

[@GabGotti3]

@@jc3drums916 exactly people hold onto their stupid traditions because you’re scared to evolve and get better.

[@gabbeat]

@@jc3drums916 this is the truth lol

[@cameronkoch482]

That was amazing. Also too many people in Philly getting steaks with mayo and ketchup. I'm scared for them

[@caglioso]

Thank you! I always hate when I see people adding that nonsense to their steak but unfortunately you do see it, especially at places in the hood like Max’s etc.

[@freighter1097]

You're scared of people eating food they way they want to?

[@cameronkoch482]

@Freighter 109 no, my comments not serious for the reason you mentioned, it's absurd.

[@whatshername369]

At the 7:40 mark somebody made a disgusted sound at adding mayo and mustard to the cheesesteak.

[@liam82946]

More stuff like this GUYS!! PLEASEEE

[@charlesmurray4013]

I AM SO AMAZED. I LOVE THIS.

[@svenwahnsinn734]

You gotta feel the sandwich. Man - thats inspirational

[@andrewbenavides4913]

Brad literally keeps Bon Appetit alive. Certainly the most entertaining individual to watch, please keep him employed.

[@digital_crickets]

God Bless the folks who can make a lunch rush seem easy! They DO NOT get enough praise, enough thanks, or enough pay!

[@Demasx]

They would've completely lost me at the ticket training... 🤣

[@MRDYNAMITEDAWG]

she seems like a very sweet person and boss, while also still being able to convey a level of authority. She seems like a great restaurant owner!

[@VGMCam]

I love Brad and glad he's still at Bon Apetit

[@mikemanokian4863]

what a sweetheart she is, she is tough but she has passion

[@Scattaminkey]

Best part is showing someone new to the working world how much thought, stress, and action are required to do a job.

[@Tyu248]

Brad. Cheesesteaks. That’s all I need baby. 🤙🏻

[@ronjr831]

Thanks for the video. Really fast paced.

[@Sg-gt8md]

This is gold. Pure

[@anthonyaugustine6127]

My baby sister worked here and brought me a sandwich a couple times when she visited and they're freaking fantastic

[@rustyshaklferd1897]

Spent some time in Philly my son born at chop. Got to try all the popular cheesesteak places. This was probably my favorite, my daughter 7 at the time not so much. I think she was just burnt out on cheesesteaks. Good place good people.

[@meancuisine8]

Rough. Tough gig right there!!! You a real Trooper Bro!

[@3literheater]

This is awesome. I like how she told Brad what to do.

[@onemanwolfpackable]

Brad popping up at the window like he's in The Shining 😂

[@janetraona9071]

Now I’m craving a cheese steak sandwich. One of my favorites.

[@MsGscoot]

Dalessandro's Philly Goat. Met Margie on Halloween years ago when I first moved to the city. Such an awesome place. Brad FOR SURE needs a full 50-minute series on streaming or something. Great content

[@valerieburkett2903]

Oh, Brad. You are a gem 😊 Never change.

[@leanneschultz4752]

She was great, encouraging & helpful, a boss but so much compassion! A well oiled machine!

[@nickfaver]

Good old Dan back there behind the camera torturing a BA Chef for our entertainment as usual

[@merindalingle5171]

Love Dalessandro's cheesesteaks! One of the go-to spots.

[@mattgotsskill]

this was honestly better and more entertaining then anything you can watch on the food network

[@bridgetdangella257]

IT’S A PHILLY THING!!!!! 🦅❤ Thanks Brad!😂

[@Tophkaneki]

This was such a joy to watch. This lady has earned my Cheesesteak business should I ever find myself in Philly.

[@CelltheGREAT]

Big facts

[@Hold-my-beer]

One of the best cheesesteaks around philly. Love this place.

[@TheGamerXL]

Literally still subbed to this channel for Brad L! Miss the OG BA crew but what can you do. Also this lady was so nice I’m definitely trying this spot the next time I’m in Philly!

[@benjaminmcmillan9781]

This was literally so stressful to watch😂 but if I see Brad in the thumbnail I click.

[@franciscoroman9927]

I love this lady. She is a general! And the crew looked like they could handle 1000 orders if needed. If I should ever visit Phila I would go to DAlessandro’s

[@evadaskos]

this man is the backbone of this channel i want him to have his own television network