It was a rainy Sunday, but that didn’t stop our Unpretentious People from coming out to get a first look at Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor in Elizabeth and hear from the team behind the carryout concept. Cheat’s will open its doors on Wednesday, July 13 at noon. Aside from the signature cheesesteaks, the restaurant will also serve an Italian hoagie and a steak, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich. Sides include seasoned fries, which can be served loaded with cheese steak fillings, and pretzel bites. There’s also a soft serve machine that the owners hope will draw families from the neighborhood.

Guests at our Unpretentious Preview event got to sample the food and learn the story behind Cheat’s and what’s next for the concept in a Q&A with its owners. Cheat’s is named such because the meal is something of a cheat day for the health-minded. We also learned why the restaurant chose to stop using Amorosa’s rolls (consistency issues) in favor of seeded and unseeded rolls from Liscio’s in New Jersey. Become a UP Member to get exclusive invites like this.

Below, get a first look at what to expect from Cheat’s before it opens its doors.

The team behind Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor, opening July 13 in Elizabeth. Jon Wile/UP

The full menu at Cheat’s includes breakfast all day. Tom Petaccia/UP

Guests can order loaded fries, topped with steak and Wiz. Jon Wile/UP

Guests enjoy cheesesteaks at our Unpretentious Preview tailgate with Cheat’s. Jon Wile/UP

Cheat’s also serves a pork roll with egg and cheese. Jon Wile/UP

The staff at Cheat’s slices all the meat for their cheesesteaks in house. Jon Wile/UP

Cheesesteaks will be served on both seeded and unseeded rolls. Jon Wile/UP

Fries are seasoned with a house seasoning. Jon Wile/UP

For dessert, guests can enjoy a vegan dessert option of Dole Whip. Jon Wile/UP

Cheat’s hopes to serve families in the Elizabeth neighborhood for both dinner and soft-serve cones for dessert. Jon Wile/UP

Guests hear from the Cheat’s team at our opening event (from left): owners Greg Balch and Ryan Hart, general manager Jonathan Tiernan, Cheat’s executive chef Travis Fisher, and assistant GM Thomas Willoughby. Jon Wile/UP