Jim Pappas is a good judge of cheesesteaks. And no wonder. He’s visited more than 1,000 cheesesteak shops in the Philadelphia region, writes Ali Mohsen for Billy Penn.

Pappas, who grew up in Swarthmore, made it his mission to visit and consume 1,000 cheesesteaks, then review his Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure experience online.

He’s received media attention and he’s even been approached about doing a TV show.

The 1,000-cheesesteak odyssey, inspired by a romantic relationship, ended in early 2022, and then “nothing happened,” said the 61-year-old.

The relationship ended around cheesesteak No. 980, and collaborations to capitalize on his adventure didn’t pan out.

“I was wondering if it was all a waste of time,” Pappas said. “And thinking of all the mistakes I made.”

Now he’s back, reenergized, refocused, and introducing a cheesesteak-themed clothing line.

There’s also Cheesesteak Stories, an interview podcast kicking off May 16.

Pappas traces his cheesesteak journey back to the Claymont Steak Shop. It was where he went on Saturdays with his dad growing up..

Years later, he would become involved with a woman who grew up around the corner from the Claymont shop.

“She was the face that launched a thousand cheesesteaks,” he said.

Read more about Jim Pappas’ life and how cheesesteaks entered his life in Billy Penn.