Doylestown locals have had no trouble finding the best Philly cheesesteaks, tastiest hoagies, and crispiest fresh-cut fries for the last eight years — all served with a smile and in a wholesome atmosphere. Coach’s Steak and Hoagie House has been the go-to spot for game-day comfort foods, but now, the Doylestown favorite is getting a serious makeover and a brand-new name. Steaks on State.
The proud new owners, Jackie and John Stover, are on a mission to turn Steaks on State into a “destination spot for cheesesteaks fanatics,” from locals who fancy a lazy breakfast to tourists from out of state.
New ownership comes with some exciting changes that Coach’s regulars might not see coming — but don’t worry if you’re one of them because ditching the restaurant’s most famous comfort foods isn’t on the menu.
Next time you crave a hoagie, slider burger, hot sausage, or the kind of classic Philly cheesesteak that you’ll still think about a week later, all your old favorites will be waiting for you at Steaks on State. Just don’t be surprised if the place comes with a whole new vibe, and be warned. With an extra cozy new dining room with cushy booths, you may feel the urge to stick around for an extra portion or two.
1 Meet the New Owners: John and Jackie Stover
Steaks on State’s new owners are no strangers to the restaurant they’re so excited to take over — or to the comfort food it’s already locally famous for. Jackie Stover has been the driving force behind Coach’s friendly staff team for years, serving as its manager for the past five.
“This place?,” she said with a smile, “It’s my home. I’ve poured my heart and elbow grease into it for years, and now that John and I have the opportunity to truly make it ours, I can’t wait to see what it turns into.”
“We want Steaks on State to feel like your home away from home, whether you live around the corner or came all the way to Philly to bite into your first cheesesteak.” Hey, it happens more often than you might think!
What about the other half of our power couple? John, the owner of a successful marketing company, knows that looks and vibes aren’t just the icing on the cake. They’re what makes a cheesesteak and hoagie joint a hangout you’ll want to come back to time and time again.
“The dream grew in my head over time,” he smirks. “I just couldn’t help myself. Whenever I visited Jackie at work, I’d order a cheesesteak and start imagining what we could do with the place if we owned it. By the time we finally got the opportunity, I knew exactly what I wanted — and I can’t wait to show it to you all!”
2 Fresh Takes and Familiar Cheesesteaks: A Sneak Peek at What’s Coming
The menu staples you know and love are sticking around for the long haul — what’s Steaks on State without the famous cheesesteaks and hoagies, after all? — and excited guests should expect nothing less than the same great quality they’re used to from Coach’s.
As you roll up to order your favorite Philly comfort foods, however, you’re still in for a surprise. Will those breakfast sandwiches everyone raves about taste better when you and your whole family can find a spot at a comfy old-school diner booth? Does the cheese do a better job of melting in your mouth at a high-top table and is fun enough to spend all afternoon laughing at?
You’ll have to judge for yourself, but John thinks so. “It’s all about comfort,” he says. “You can’t have comfort food without that! And of course, we couldn’t resist adding a little Philly pride to the place, ‘cause when you think about cheesesteaks and hoagies, sports are never far behind.”
3 What’s New at Steaks on State?
John and Jackie bought their favorite restaurant, so of course, they’re committed to keeping the foods that have always made it special on the menu. “Steaks on State will still have the same delicious Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, and fresh-cut fries that people have loved for years,” Jackie says, but the couple has teased some surprises.
One thing that won’t change? The famous breakfast sandwiches make people want to swap lazy weekends at home for the restaurant’s crowded, laughter-filled atmosphere. “Those are staying put,” John promised old regulars. “They’re simply too good to mess with.”
What are the Stovers shaking up? We just can’t tell you! Steaks on State is opening its brand-new doors to curious and excited customers in the first week of January. They’ll have to scour the cheesesteak and hoagie joint’s new menu for unexpected additions themselves, because Jackie and John are keeping mum for now.
Meanwhile, if the buzz food influencers Chas and Chuck from Didn’t Suck — who recently sunk their teeth into a delicious Philly cheesesteak — created is anything to go by, one thing’s for sure. You won’t be disappointed, especially by the crispy, fresh fries.
4 New Year, New Steaks on State
Steaks on State is opening its doors just after the New Year when the Stovers add their finishing touches to the business they’ve always hoped to own. Want to stay ahead of Steaks on State’s news? You’ll be able to find them — and the cheesesteaks and hoagies you know you want to dig into — at www.steaksonstate.com. You’ll even be able to get a sneak peek at the updated menu!
Follow the Steaks on State Facebook page if you’re hoping to snag yourself a bite of the special promotions you know they’ll have going to entice you through the door when their new place opens!