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Philly Cheesesteak Vendor Begins Global Expansion

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A South Philly cheesesteak king is starting a global empire!

The worldwide expansion of Tony Luke's cheesesteak shops has already begun, with the first of 60 franchise stores in the Middle East and North Africa now open in Bahrain.

Tony Luke Jr. says it's a partnership with Rastelli Foods:

"We're going global!"

Luke says people love good food, no matter where you are from or what you do:

"The cheesesteak is such a great ambassador to the Philadelphia culture and American culture, and the people in the Middle East have really been embracing that."

He is looking to add a novelty bib with the sometimes-messy sandwich, both overseas and back home in South Philadelphia.

Does he really think Eagles fans will wear a bib to eat a cheesesteak?

"It's not just any bib, it's a Tony Luke's bib! And that brings it, you know, to a cooler level."

Reported by John McDevitt, KYW Newsradio.

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