The only notice Michael Panto gave that his new shop Johnny Longhots Philly Steaks Sarasota would have its soft opening on Jan. 16 was a handwritten note taped to the front door — they sold about 600 sandwiches that day.
The pace has barely slowed since the store opened for good the following Monday, in the same location once occupied by Gentile’s Cheesesteaks, 7523 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Panto is the link to Gentile’s, a family-owned and operated sandwich shop that served cheesesteaks and hoagies from 2012 until May 2025 when Sam Long and his wife, Erica closed shop to go back to New Jersey on vacation and decided to stay.
Meet the new owner of Johnny Longhots Philly Steaks Sarasota
Panto, founder and CEO of Jersey Girl Pork Roll, had supplied Gentile’s as the local representative of Quality Philly Steak and wanted to keep the popular spot vibrant…