Carter’s Cheesesteaks Is back opened and serving the public with that great taste

GARCI IS REBUILDING THE VISION: CARTER’S CHEESESTEAKS REOPENS ITS DOORS AS PHILLY’S CHINATOWN CONTINUES TO EVOLVE

Philadelphia’s food and nightlife scene is always changing, but every once in a while, somebody makes a move that feels bigger than just business. Levell “Garci” Peterkin is doing exactly that in the heart of Philadelphia’s Chinatown, where his growing business empire is bringing together food, entertainment, culture and opportunity.

At the center of that movement is Carters Cheesesteaks by Garci, located at 1016 Race Street. Carter’s has become known for putting its own spin on the Philly cheesesteak, including ribeye cheesesteaks and attention-grabbing surf-and-turf creations featuring shrimp and lobster. The restaurant also serves smash burgers, wings, hoagies and fries.

THE REOPENING IS ABOUT MORE THAN FOOD

For Garci, bringing Carter’s back and continuing to build the location isn’t simply about getting people through the doors for a sandwich. It’s about creating something that represents growth, ownership and opportunity.

Carter’s has been recognized as the first Black-owned business to open in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, a milestone that Garci has embraced as part of a much larger vision.

What makes the story even bigger is that Garci isn’t keeping the vision limited to one restaurant. He has transformed the larger space into The Square Food Court, bringing multiple Black-owned food businesses together under one roof. The goal is to give other entrepreneurs an opportunity to establish themselves while creating a destination where different cultures and flavors can come together.

And that’s what makes the Carter’s story interesting: Garci isn’t just trying to sell cheesesteaks—he’s trying to build an ecosystem.

FROM THE GRILL TO THE NIGHTLIFE

Once the food is done, the energy doesn’t necessarily have to stop.

Also connected to Garci’s Chinatown operation is 11 Eleven Lounge, a nightlife concept located at the same Race Street complex. Local reporting identifies Garci as an owner of Carter’s Steaks, 1111 Lounge and The Square food court.

That gives the overall project another dimension. Carter’s can provide the food, while 11 Eleven brings the nightlife component—creating a space where people can eat, socialize, listen to music and experience another side of Philadelphia after dark.

1111 Lounge is positioned within the same Chinatown complex, making the location part restaurant, part food destination and part nightlife experience.

GARCI’S BIGGER PICTURE

The most impressive part of Garci’s journey may be the fact that he is using his businesses to create opportunities for other people.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Garci envisioned The Square as a Black-owned “mini-Reading Terminal”, with multiple entrepreneurs operating under one roof. The project includes businesses offering seafood, soul food and desserts, along with games and shared seating.

That vision is significant because entrepreneurship isn’t always about building one successful business. Sometimes it’s about creating a platform where other people can win too.

Garci has openly talked about wanting to inspire younger people and demonstrate that a person’s past doesn’t have to determine their future. His story—from a difficult upbringing and street life to entrepreneurship—is now becoming part of the message behind his businesses.

CHINATOWN HAS A NEW ENERGY

Philadelphia’s Chinatown has long been known for its restaurants and cultural identity. Now, Garci’s operation is adding another layer to that neighborhood’s story.

Carter’s Cheesesteaks, The Square Food Court and 11 Eleven Lounge represent a different kind of Philly business model—food, nightlife, culture and entrepreneurship under one roof.

And for Garci, this isn’t about simply having a restaurant with his name on it.

It’s about showing people what can happen when somebody takes a vision seriously.

Carter’s Cheesesteaks is back in the conversation. 11 Eleven is bringing the nightlife. The Square is creating space for entrepreneurs. And Garci is betting on Philadelphia—and specifically Chinatown—to be the place where it all comes together.

This isn’t just a reopening. It’s another chapter in the Garci movement.

Visit Carter’s Cheesesteaks⁠