[2] The restaurant is known for its distinctive appearance, featuring hundreds of bright neon lights and signs that illuminate the corner of 9th and Passyunk.

[5] The renovation included expanded outdoor seating, updated ordering windows, and new interior designs while maintaining the iconic exterior appearance.

[7] Owner Joey Vento started a small grill venue at 9th and Passyunk in 1966 and over time his business gained praise from locals.

He improvised the name from a broken door on which someone had painted 'GINO' and modified the spelling to prevent confusion with a regional fast food chain called Gino's.

[14] The walls, roof, and interior of Geno's are decorated with memorabilia and hundreds of autographed and framed photos of celebrities who have eaten there.

"[16] The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations filed a discrimination complaint, arguing that Geno's violated the city's Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodation, by "denying service to someone because of his or her national origin, and having printed material making certain groups of people feel their patronage is unwelcome.

[19] In 2006, the Foundation had defended a bar owner cited by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission for a sign reading "For Service, Speak English."

[20] Responding in an interview with Fox News analyst Neil Cavuto, Vento stated that he does not turn away any customer, and therefore does not discriminate.

"[21] On March 19, 2008, Philadelphia's Commission on Human Relations ruled that the restaurant did not violate the city's Fair Practices Ordinance.