Marlow’s Cheesesteaks
About Marlow’s:
Let’s talk about Shanika and Jomar, the Philly imports that have everyone talking about Cheesesteaks. Boasting multiple locations and growing rapidly, this couple brought the real Authentic Cheesesteak to Columbus, OH and the city has responded by rating them BEST Cheesesteak and fries. While Marlow’s originally started with Water Ice (aka “Italian Ice”), the Cheesesteaks have become the claim to fame for Marlow’s. Using only the best quality ingredients from the meat (Premium Ribeye) to the very specific bread (which comes from Philly) and everything in between, it is understandable why they have become so sought after. They have many sandwich options now including; “The Classic”, “The Johnny Boy” (chicken steak), “The Parkside Salmon”, “Veggie”, “Buffalo Chicken”, “Caribbean Jerk”, and “Marlow’s Way” which is Jomar’s personal favorite because that’s the way he’s always eaten them. Don’t forget the award winning fries either. Make sure you try this authentic taste of Philly when visiting the North Market. You are sure to be blown away.
How did the idea come about?
Shanika accepted a promotion that brought their family from Philly to Columbus three days after Christmas of 2017. Jomar, working construction at the time, decided construction wasn’t for him anymore. In 2018, he started The Water Ice Shoppe, which is a Philly staple. Shanika realized Water Ice was a smaller ticket item and they had a draw of fans to their Water Ice trailer, so they decided to start making Cheesesteaks also. The first day out they booked two events. They didn’t even have the trailer wrapped with logos yet and had no idea what was coming next, but people knew due to the Water Ice, this was an authentic cheesesteak.
During their first event, they had the longest line and they were the last vendors to leave, due to the immense amount of people in line. They even had fans follow them to their next event, which started the longest line at this event! By the time they had their next event, word had spread and there was a line waiting for them before they were even there.
Rapid growth and support opened up the ability to open several locations and enter the North Market in 2024.
What’s your favorite thing about being a part of the North Market?
Shanika and Jomar love being a part of the tradition and history of the North Market. They love the vision of the North Market and are excited to bring the true taste of Philly to Columbus and its many visitors. Being so close to the Convention Center allows them to showcase their amazing Cheesesteaks with people from all over. Marlow’s is excited to build relationships with their fellow Merchants at the North Market and the Columbus, OH community that has been more supportive than they could have ever imagined.
What are MUST ORDER items on the menu?
- Cheesesteak – Marlow’s Way
- Cheesesteak – Buffalo Chicken or Caribbean Jerk Chicken
- The Fries! – these scoop fries are award winning gems that no one should overlook
Story of Marlow’s Cheesesteaks:
A family transplants from Philly to Columbus for a job promotion and starts a Water Ice trailer (a staple of Philly) that explodes into an Authentic Cheesesteak destination.
Shanika and Jomar are the visionaries behind this wave making phenomenon. From that Water Ice trailer and the first couple of events (which far surpassed what they could have imagined) to now having multiple locations, they are an unstoppable force. The original location in Downtown Gahanna boasts a full bar, a Water Ice counter, and sports memorabilia all over as Jomar is a huge Philly sports fan. You can also find them in The Ohio State Buckeye Stadium “The Shoe” on gamedays, Bud Dairy Food Hall and as of 2024 they were accepted into North Market! Even though they grew up in Philly, they have come to love Columbus for the opportunity, diversity, and quality of life it provides. Both of them love that they have operating hours that allow them to have that work/life balance and spend time with their family. They both also look forward to interacting with customers seeing the expressions on faces when customers take that first bite. As Philly natives, they offer few insights to make sure you’re getting the best cheesesteak anywhere that has them; it’s never a red sauce and if it says “Philly” before Cheesesteak, it isn’t authentic (real ones are just called Cheesesteaks).
Next time you crave an Authentic Cheesesteak, run, don’t walk to Marlow’s and they will be sure to smash that craving with their one of a kind Cheesesteaks and award winning fries!
Special thanks to videographer Midsole Marketing!