Geno's removes controversial 'Please Speak English' sign from window

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A controversial sign at one of South Philadelphia's iconic cheesesteak spots has been taken down.

The sign used to sit in the window at Geno's steaks, reading: Tthis is America. When ordering, speak English.

Owner Joey Vento put it up back in 2006.

Three years later, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations ruled against a complaint that the sign was discriminatory.

Vento, who passed away in 2011, called the sign a political statement.

The sign came back into the spotlight last month when Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump stopped by to order steaks.

Vento's son, Geno, now runs the eatery, but has yet to publicly speak on the matter.

Geno's Steaks did, however, release this statement:

Geno's Steaks, founded in 1966 by Joey Vento, has been serving the community for over 50 years. Joey had strong political views that have been highly publicized, one being his 'Please Speak English' sign that hung in the ordering window of the 9th and Passyunk location. After Joey's passing in 2011, his only child Geno Vento took over the business. While Geno continues to honor his father's traditions of good quality food, cleanliness, and giving back to the community, he has decided that after 10 years it is time to move on. It's not about a sign. It's about what you do and what your mark in life is, and Geno wants to change that mark in life.