Some foods are so connected to a locale — think Boston baked beans or Chicago-style pizza — that taking them out of their original environs seems a risk.

Jim Brenneis is up for the challenge. His goal: Bringing an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak to Nevada.

Brenneis’ assumed ownership of Sparks’ Philadelphia Cheesesteak Co., a specialty sandwich shop originally opened in 1980, in February 2005. Since then, he has strived to put his personal touch into food and service for regulars and newcomers. His wife, Dawn, works alongside of him in the business.

“I wanted to go the self-employment route, so (Dawn and I) decided to do our own thing,” Brenneis said. “This (restaurant) has been here 25 years. It’s sort of been a Sparks icon.”

The restaurant’s owner emphasizes he uses only fresh vegetables, meats and breads to create a product that keeps customers coming back. The basic cheesesteak is slow-cooked, grilled beef with a choice of cheddar, Swiss or provolone cheese, all inserted into a hoagie or French sweet sandwich bun.

Philadelphia Cheesesteak Co. serves its cheesesteaks in small (6 inches), medium (8 inches) or large (10 inches).

“The authentically Southern cheesesteak has cheddar cheese and cheese whiz,” Brenneis said. “The authentically Northern cheesesteak uses provolone.”

Two popular variations of the cheesesteak include the Works, which includes bell peppers, mushrooms and onion. The Ortega Chile Philly comes with melted pepper Jack cheese, Ortega chiles and salsa.

Other sandwiches served include the meatball sandwich with house-made marinara and provolone. The chicken Parmesan comes with a chicken breast, marinara and provolone. All sandwiches are served with fries and a choice of a white or Dutch crunch roll.

All sandwiches are made to order and take time to prepare, Brenneis said.

“We’re not a fast food restaurant. ... We will not compromise the quality of our food,” he said.

For customers watching their carbohydrates, a low-carb menu is available that includes cheesesteaks served on a lettuce bed instead of bread.

Children, too, have a variety of meals to choose from, including a mini cheesesteak, toasted cheese sandwich and chicken nuggets. Fries and a soda are included. Kids meals cost $3.75.

The restaurant offers fresh fruit smoothies in a variety of flavors, including peach and strawberry.

Yo Philly, it’s authentic

In addition to the Americana-style trinkets inside the restaurant, the Liberty Bell logos hung on mirrors and on walls all gesture toward something Brenneis hopes to keep: a taste of Philadelphia’s famous sandwich.

Having worked in food distribution and sales for 25 years, Brenneis said he knows just how to sell a product, enjoys his independence and ability to create a “Philly cheesesteak” as it is made back East.

“I have a knowledge of what food costs, and I know the formula,” he said.

So far, the “formula” has been successful in attracting native Nevadans and former residents of Philadelphia.

“It’s gratifying to me when actual people from Philadelphia come in here, and we make them a sandwich,” he said. “I had a guy in here the other day who said, ‘I’m from Philly. I saw this other place and came in here and it made me feel like I was home.’ We try to make it authentic as we can, to have people from back East, Philadelphia, New Jersey come in say it’s just as good at home. Some say they like it better.”

Brenneis, originally from New York, said the restaurant’s service helps others from the Eastern part of the county feel comfortable.

“They like the fact that we actually interact with them here, we talk, we smile at them here. They say, ‘It’s a different feel from Philly.’”

Philadelphia Cheesesteak Co. also offers a drive-through espresso business.

“You can get coffee, lattes, moccachinos, espressos,” Brenneis said.

To accompany coffee, Brenneis offers bagels and cream cheese.

Hours for the espresso drive-through are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

If customers prefer take-out, they can call in their order. Prices for most items on the menu range from $4.75 to $7.89.

Brenneis said he is confident he’s in the right place now that he owns Philadelphia Cheesesteak Co.

“I don’t think I could go back to being employed (by someone else) ... It’s very gratifying.”

Jessica Mosebach is a freelance writer.