3 minute read
Bringing the Taste of Philly to York
How Mark Millek built Hefty Lefty’s Hoagies and Grinders
BY BRENDAN SALYARDS | MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES
Over the past few months, there has been an explosion of interest in Mark Millek’s Hefty Lefty’s Hoagies and Grinders, a stand operating in Downtown York’s Central Market since 2018. Sparked by a social media post that went viral; and fed by a steady stream of word-of-mouth promotions and media coverage, Hefty Lefty’s has quickly become one of the hottest eateries in the area, with patrons willing to stand in line for up to an hour and half past closing time.
The positive reception from the York community has surprised Mark but isn’t something he takes for granted. “It’s overwhelming. I’ve been blessed,” shares Mark. “Since we went viral in the Hoagie Gurus Group, the business has been incredible. People have been sharing it by word of mouth. It’s been humbling.”
Mark started Hefty Lefty’s as a side business while working as a produce manager for The Giant Company (Giant Food Stores), and it began as a way for him to explore his passion outside of work. Opening a stand in the Central Market allowed Mark to develop his business in a lower-risk environment and develop relationships with suppliers.
Mark had his initial hesitations about starting his own business, but when it comes to providing advice for others thinking about starting their next adventure, he tells them to “Just do it.” Mark states, “Don’t be scared. Working for yourself is the dream. It’s worth it.”
Mark’s passion for quality ingredients shines through his work. His daily routine begins at 5:15 am. After a quick stop for coffee, he starts preparing for the 10 am opening by prepping his vegetables which he sources from Eastern York Market. Over years of operation, he’s experimented with different vendors and has cultivated a network of suppliers for his ingredients. The rolls for his cheesesteaks, which are made with fresh ribeye, come from Conshohocken Bakery. His hoagie rolls come from Liscio’s Italian Bakery & Deli in Glassboro, New Jersey. The seeded loaves from Liscio’s are now a fundamental component helping to contain the distinctive rolled meat that characterizes a Hefty Lefty’s hoagie.
As a Trail-Friendly Business, Mark is committed to serving folks who use the Heritage Rail Trail. Mark’s wife Christy thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2022 and they’re both avid users of the York County Heritage Rail Trail.
As far as the future goals for Hefty Lefty’s, according to Mark, it will always have a presence in the Central Market. Hefty Lefty’s has been experimenting with online ordering and is working to meet the increased demand both from in-store customers and for catering orders. Mark hopes to introduce a Philly-style Italian roast pork sandwich, which would be topped with spinach and/or broccoli rabe. Further expansion may be in the works but not until Mark’s youngest daughter graduates from high school.
