Looking for an authentic Philly cheesesteak?

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) -- You don't have to go to the City of Brotherly Love to get an authentic Philly cheesesteak anymore. A Norwich sandwich shop owner says he's cooking up the real thing and he has gathered quite a following after being open only a year.

Shem Adams thinks the Philly cheesesteak war may actually be won in Norwich.

"This is about as authentic as you're gonna get," said Adam's, of Philly's. "I learned from one of the greatest."

The native Philadelphian brought his hometown hoagie to the rose city last July and so far it seems to be a recipe for success.

"We use a good cut rib-eye," Adams said. "We use prime and choice."

And they also use cheese whiz, just like back home. However, he's keeping some ingredients under that Phillies hat of his.

One ingredient, which is not a secret may make all the difference.

"Ya know, it's just, we put the love into it," Adams said. "We really put the love into it."

And customers are sharing that love.

"So you recommend it," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"Absolutely. Everybody should come here at least a couple times a week," said customer Phil Sutton.

The cheesesteak was even named best sandwich in America by some Travel Channel viewers.

"They're filling, I'll tell you that," one customer said.

And they could soon be expanding. A developer is interested in bringing Philly's to rest areas in Branford and Darien.

"When we created this store we wanted to make it look like it was already a franchise," said Adams. "So we wanted to make it look like it was branded. Make this look like this was in other places."

Soon it may be. Adams' five year plan is cooking up new business, a lot sooner than he thought.

"We like to get everybody to do their first bite here," Adams said.

"Actually very, very good," Detelj said.