One of the first columns I wrote when I started the food beat five years ago was about Chubbies, a little cheesesteak shop in Lamplighter Mall on Williamson Road. It was called “Sizzlin’ beef, sizzlin’ marriage – and a real taste of Philly.” Now, five years later, owners Ed and Shirley Pazdan are ready to pass their successful business on to a new owner.

The Pazdans are native Philadelphians with a passion for authentic cheesesteak and for their clientele. It says something about them that the restaurant is still open today when so many others have come and gone in the past five years. But when Ed called me the other day, he sounded tired. He said he WAS tired.

Health problems – including a heart attack – have led Ed to finally give in to his loving wife’s requests and put the business up for sale. He said he has grandchildren in other states he has never even met and he’s ready to take better care of himself. But he wants folks to know that he is committed to keeping Chubbies’ quality the same, even after he has sold.

Pazdan said he is asking $40,000 for the business, including the name and recipes. The new owner would have to negotiate a new lease at the mall. But Pazdan will stay on for a few weeks to train the new owner in how to make the sandwiches and run the shop. He pointed out that he has a lot of big clients in nearby companies who call in large to-go orders on a regular basis.

If anybody is interested in buying Chubbies, contact Ed Pazdan at 540-366-1253. And those of you who love his big, friendly smile and mannerisms (not to mention his big sandwiches) ought to stop by while you still can for a real taste of Philly.