Philly Airport Sets Guinness Record for Longest Cheesesteak Line

Over 1,200 sandwiches lined up to celebrate National Cheesesteak Day

Mar. 25, 2026 at 2:18am

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Travelers passing through Philadelphia International Airport on Monday were greeted with an unusual sight - a record-breaking line of 1,291 cheesesteaks, set up to celebrate National Cheesesteak Day. The display far surpassed the previous Guinness World Record of 500 sandwiches, with organizers saying the cheesesteak is 'synonymous' with Philadelphia.

Why it matters

The cheesesteak is a beloved Philadelphia icon, and setting this world record highlights the city's food culture and pride. It also provided a morale boost for airport workers, including TSA agents, who have been working without pay during the government shutdown.

The details

People in black aprons assembled the cheesesteaks along tables set up in the walkway between Terminals B and C, filling rolls from silver buckets as they moved past storefronts. After the record was certified, the sandwiches were handed out to travelers, airport workers, and TSA staff.

  • The record attempt took place on Monday, March 25, 2026 to mark National Cheesesteak Day.

The players

Clarence LeJeune

A representative from MarketPlace PHL, the company that operates airport concessions and organized the record attempt.

Michael Empric

A Guinness World Records adjudicator who certified the record.

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What they’re saying

“We went for the world record for the longest cheesesteak in history. Today we accomplished that goal here in Philadelphia.”

— Clarence LeJeune, MarketPlace PHL representative

“In this case, they are going to TSA agents who definitely could use some lunch.”

— Michael Empric, Guinness World Records adjudicator

What’s next

The airport plans to continue celebrating Philadelphia's food culture and supporting local workers by hosting more food-related events and giveaways in the future.

The takeaway

This record-breaking cheesesteak display showcases Philadelphia's pride in its iconic sandwich and the city's ability to come together to support its community, even in challenging times.