Katz offers tasty and Philly-ing option for hungry diners

SANDPOINT — Joe and Ellie Katz have opened Joe's Philly Steaks and Hoagies at 102 Church St. in Sandpoint.

This is Joe Katz's first try at owning a restaurant.

He grew up in Philadelphia, where Pat Olivieri founded the famous cheese steak sandwich.

"I made many and ate many," Katz said.

He trained in Pompano, Fla., at his nephew's sports bar, where thousands of the sandwiches are sold monthly.

Katz also spent three months remodeling the former office for Mark Hall Realty for his restaurant.

"I'm getting nothing but good responses," he said.

Joe's Philly Steak and Hoagies is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Hours will be extended for summer.

A Sandpoint resident, Katz is retired from the U.S. Forest Service.