Campo's is more than just a family-owned business; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of our founder, Ambrose Campo. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Ambrose served his country with honor during World War II. As part of the Sixth Army, he played a crucial role in securing a vital 20-mile stretch of beach, which became a critical supply line straight to Manila. For his bravery and service, Ambrose was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.   

After spending 20 months as a butcher in the U.S. Army, Ambrose returned home, met the love of his life, Rose, and started a family. Drawing upon his skills, wealth of experience, and unshakable determination to provide for his children, he opened a butcher shop in 1947.  

Campo Butcher Shop was located at 2401 S. 62nd Street in a squat, two-story brick building in Southwest Philadelphia. Like countless Philadelphia business owners, Ambrose ran his butcher shop on the first floor and lived in an apartment on the second floor. Everyone in the family was expected to help out, whether it was mixing meatballs, washing windows, or sweeping up at closing time. 

Learn more about the Campo family's early Philadelphia history. 

As supermarkets squeezed family butcher shops out of business, Ambrose’s son, Mike, decided to turn Campo’s into a delicatessen. Campo’s original cheesesteaks and famous hoagies have deep roots based in family, neighborhood, and hard work. The one ingredient crucial to our success over the years is personal service, or, as we like to call it, LOVE. It has kept our customers coming back since Mike and his wife, Denise, took over.

After many Philly residents began moving to the suburbs in the late 90s, Campo’s Deli closed its 62nd Street location and moved to a new site at 214 Market Street in Old City. The Old City location was a hit, and Campo’s was recognized for Best of Philly, Top Rated by Zagat, and featured on the Food Network.

Campo's concession stands come to Citizens Bank Park, and Heater is named the official cheesesteak of the Phillies. Campo's was ranked 2nd best ballpark food in America.

Campo’s celebrated its 75th anniversary at the Old City Festival in 2022. The shop is still run today by Mike, Denise, their son, Michael, and their daughter, Mia. The first fourth-generation Campo is now washing windows on the weekends for $5 an hour because that is how we ALL started.

And although he has passed, Ambrose Campo’s legacy lives on. We are proud to be a veteran-owned establishment that carries forward Ambrose's dream and commitment to quality, family, and community. At Campo's, we honor his memory by continuing to serve the delicious, high-quality food he believed in, staying true to his values, and putting a little love in every sandwich! 

When Mike Campo says, “That’s not just a sandwich, that’s someone’s meal, make it great!”, it comes from his heart. Our business is more than just hoagies, cheesesteaks, and sandwiches. It’s personal…and it shows.