Of the many commodities Philly is known for, cheesesteaks, hoagies, and other specialty sandwiches are among the community’s most famous and most protected. Everyone seems to have their iteration of these signature sandos, from local landmark eateries to pizzerias to your local Wawa, but it takes a special place to not only make them proper but to bring Philadelphia’s favorite food into the modern day. That’s exactly what the Campos have accomplished over their 75-plus years in business.
Originating in 1947 as a grocery store and butcher shop, Ambrose and Rose Campo likely didn’t know what the future held for their business, but as the years went by, Campo’s continued to grow under the family. In 1975, Ambrose and Rose’s son, Mike, decided to transform the shop into a delicatessen, maintaining its personal service to its patrons in and around the city. Under Mike’s oversight, alongside his wife Denise, Campo’s would continue to thrive, becoming a staple in the local food scene.
Campo’s offers Philly classic flavors
Many think of cheesesteaks when they think of Campo’s, as is customary in Philly, but the local sandwich shop has provided a loaded menu for decades, from cheesesteaks made with flavorful ribeye on housemade bread baked fresh daily, to hoagies, roast pork sandwiches, Reubens, crabcakes, and much more. Denise Campo is credited with preparing the sides, including pasta salad, cole slaw, macaroni salad, and more.
In 2004, Campo’s opened a new location on Market Street in Old City, closing their original 62nd Street location. Two years later, Campo’s arrived in Citizens Bank Park, becoming a staple at Phillies games, fusing America’s pastime with the city’s favorite food. Today, Campo’s at CBP is still going strong, and the family has since added their steaks to the Wells Fargo Center as well.
At the Market Street location, Campo’s continues to provide the city with timeless flavor and signature personal touch while growing their menu. Campo’s has expanded their menu to include modern flavors like their Phillies-themed ‘Heater’ to their ‘Flyers Ice Steak’ while also adding an assortment of vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. Mike Campo, the son of Mike and Denise, said the family-run sandwich shop made the decision on these innovations after listening to the needs of their customers.
Campo’s also offers catering options for those looking to add a taste of Philadelphia to their next event, from special occasions to corporate outings and more; providing off-site catering options or outdoor catered events across Philadelphia. For Philly sports fans, Campo’s provides the grub for your gameday celebration. From trays featuring cheesesteaks, hoagies, or roast pork sandwiches to their hoagie dip tray, mac & cheese, and signature salads from both Mia and Mom (Denise). Then there are Campo’s delicious dessert options like their cannoli, cheesecake, pizzelle, or their Tastykake tray.
Today, Mike and Denise continue to run the business alongside their children, Mike and Mia, including the Market Street location. The location and menu may have changed over the years, but the commitment to quality, family, and community remains the same as the day Ambrose first opened up shop.
