If the cheerful mustard yellow and ketchup red color scheme of The Happy Cheesesteak at 150 South Main Street, or the logo of a grinning steak and cheese grinder giving the “thumbs up” does not put a smile on the customer’s face, then owner Adam Watt is certain that something on the menu at the light and bright 24-seat eatery will make that person happy.

A builder by trade, the Newtown resident decided to return to the restaurant business (previously, he owned and operated the Roadrunner Kitchen, near the Monroe line) when the economy turned the building trade upside down. Mr Watt’s vision to meld hard economic times with a place that served exceptional food at great prices, and give Newtown something different, came together when he opened The Happy Cheesesteak in September of 2010, serving up a classic Philadelphia-style cheesesteak, as well as variations on that theme. A cheesesteak is a stack of thinly sliced steak on an 8-inch grinder, topped with melted cheese, traditionally Cheese Whiz. It is served “with” or “without” grilled onions.

The Happy Cheesesteak uses only USDA rib eye/sirloin on the original sandwich, and less conventional cheesesteak lovers who are not fans of Cheese Whiz can opt for American, mozzarella, Swiss, or Provolone cheese on the classic Philly sandwich. “The cheesesteak is still flying out the door,” reported Mr Watt, eight months after the opening date. He is especially proud of the compliments he has received from Philadelphia-based customers: The Happy Cheesesteak is better than Gino’s in Philadelphia.

USDA beef, pork, and poultry only are used on the other “happy” menu items. Those include the Happy Pastrami, with grilled pastrami, onions, and Swiss cheese; the Happy Porketta, a sandwich of seasoned roast pork, onions, hot cherry peppers, and “happy” gravy; the Happy eggplant with grilled eggplant, roasted peppers, mozzarella, and balsamic vinaigrette; sausage and peppers; and several other sandwiches flowing over with flavors and ingredients inspired by Mr Watt’s Italian heritage.

New items have been added to the menu, and have been well received. These include the Happy Cajun Chicken Cheesesteak, the Happy Chicken Cordon Bleu, and the Happy Italian Cheesesteak, consisting of rib eye steak, broccoli rabe, hot cherry peppers, grilled onions, and Provolone cheese. “Customers say the Happy Italian is a grand slam,” said Mr Watt.

Deep-fried barbeque frog legs, slider burgers, barbeque pork “wings” — pork shank on the bone — are also new.

For those who like a challenge, the “Adam Bomb” is a Man vs Food television show-style, 5-pound cheesesteak that Mr Watt dares the public to eat. “If you eat the whole sandwich, you do not pay, and your picture goes on the wall,” said Mr Watt. A $40 deposit, one day in advance of taking the challenge is required. Mr Watt is so sure the giant sandwich can stump the most ravenous appetite that he is in negotiations with Adam Richman, the star of Man vs Food, to take on the Adam Bomb.

Two of The Happy Cheesesteak’s best sellers are named for Mr Watt’s niece and nephew, Jessie and Nicky. The Happy Jesse is grilled chicken breast, roasted peppers, sautéed broccoli rabe, bacon, and mozzarella, honoring not only his niece, but his late brother, as well. The Happy Nicky D features sweet Italian sausage with broccoli rabe. A children’s menu includes Happy Burger Sliders, Happy Cheesesteak sliders, mac & cheese wedges, grilled cheese, mozzarella sticks, or chicken tenders, with fries, soda, and a toy.

The Happy Veggie makes nonmeat eaters as happy as any other customer. Light eaters appreciate steak, Caesar or tuna salads.

Hungry diners may want to add a side dish of fried dough, available with powdered sugar or marinara sauce, deep-fried ravioli, corn nuggets, or mac & cheese wedges.

There is a secret to making customers “happy,” beyond great food and great service, though. The “happy” gravy and barbeque found on some of the cheesesteaks and sandwiches contain Mr Watt’s special seasonings. “Not even the kitchen staff knows what goes into it,” he said. The “happy” seasoning makes his wings the “best in the area,” according to customers who have tried them.

Seventeen different grinders are also on the menu, plus lobster rolls made with lobster sautéed in butter, clam rolls, whole belly clams, fantail shrimp, fish grinder, and fish and chips with beer-battered cod filet — all served with fries and coleslaw.

All of the cheesesteaks and sandwiches served at The Happy Cheesesteak are made on 8-inch grinder rolls from the Purdy Hill Bakery in Monroe. “It’s fantastic bread,” declared Mr Watt. Sandwiches are also available on a wrap for $1 extra.

An even bigger smile is put on the faces of those who opt for one or more of the 60-cent add-ons to a sandwich: sweet or hot cherry peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, onion, lettuce, “happy” cheese sauce, or provolone, American, Swiss, mozzarella, or bleu cheese. For 95 cents, bacon can be added to any sandwich.

Diners can grab a soda or water from the well-stocked Pepsi or Coke cooler and a bag of chips from the rack near the large pickup window that looks into the kitchen. Nearby, wall-mounted dispensers provide an ultra sanitary method of providing utensils, whether dining in at The Happy Cheesesteak or taking the generous sandwiches to go. Condiments and napkins are handily located on a table beneath the dispensers.

Customers will not mind a short wait for their orders: a flat screen television mounted in the corner of the dining room airs sports on Direct TV each week. When children are in the majority, cartoons rule the day.

As the weather warms up, diners can take their meals and find a seat at one of four picnic tables or tables for two in the new patio, located at the side of the building.

A former band member and guitarist, music remains a big part of Mr Watt’s life. Putting a smile on yet more faces are the many autographed prints and photographs of stars like LeAnn Rimes, George Harrison, Faith Hill, Charlie Daniels, the Stray Cats, Eric Clapton, master chef Rocco Dispirito, and female body builder Sandy Riddell that decorate the walls. The newest photograph is of comedian John Valby of Buffalo, N.Y., who heard about The Happy Cheesesteak and stopped in to try one.

Mr Watt pays his respects to the King of Rock-n-Roll with an Elvis Presley favorite — the deep-fried pickle. The half-sour pickle, quartered, battered, breaded, and deep-fried, is a Happy Cheesesteak best seller.

Listen for Mr Watt’s original jingle for The Happy Cheesesteak, co-written with Billy Rose, record producer for acts like Harry Chaplin, Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, Steam, James Cotton, Dan Fogelberg, and the founder of REO Speedwagon, aired on radio station KC 101, and is coming to WRKI i95. The Happy Cheesesteak was recently highlighted on NBC Connecticut News.

The Happy Cheesesteak, at 150 South Main Street, across from the Citgo gas station, is open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm; Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm; and Sunday from noon to 7 pm. No credit or debit cards are accepted — cash only. An ATM is located on site. For takeout orders, call 203-270-3301.

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