Common Pleas Court Judge scott DiClaudio poses with his wife Jackee at their new Shay’s Cheesesteaks in philadelphia, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Foto: AP/Alejandro A. Alvarez/The Philadelphia Inquirer)
A Philadelphia judge is under scrutiny after being accused of violating state ethics rules due to his involvement in his wife’s cheesesteak buisness.
The Pennsylvania judicial Conduct Board filed a complaint Tuesday against Common Pleas Judge Scott DiClaudio regarding Shay’s Steaks, an upscale cheesesteak establishment that opened near City hall more than a year ago. The complaint alleges that DiClaudio improperly used his judicial status to promote the restaurant.
Judge Defends His Involvement
DiClaudio, who is representing himself, dismissed the complaint as a “farce” in a phone interview Tuesday. “People do not come to Shay’s because a judge may make their cheesesteak,” he stated.
He acknowledged having a “support role” at the restaurant, which he believes is permissible. Though, the board cited a podcast interview where DiClaudio discussed various business decisions, including pricing, ingredients, employee salaries, and competition.
“I don’t mind charging $19, as I’m giving you a better quality steak,” DiClaudio said in the podcast.
DiClaudio said his current focus is on post-conviction court actions, and health issues combined with the demands of raising a young child have recently limited his time at the restaurant.
Shay’s Steaks in Philadelphia, Wednesday, April 30, 2025.(Photo: AP/matt Rourke)
Ethics Board to Investigate
The Judicial Conduct Board is responsible for investigating and prosecuting potential judicial misconduct in pennsylvania. The Court of Judicial Discipline will hear the case.
The complaint highlights that news coverage of Shay’s Steaks has consistently mentioned DiClaudio’s position as a judge, given Philadelphia’s well-known passion for cheesesteaks. One article even playfully referred to him as “whiz honor,” a nod to the popular Cheez Whiz topping.
DiClaudio countered that his involvement might actually improve the public’s perception of judges. “giving them ’confidence in the judiciary — that we’re not all robots.'”
Restaurant
Philadelphia Judge Faces Ethics Complaint Over Wife’s Cheesesteak Shop
Common Pleas Court Judge scott diclaudio poses with his wife Jackee at their new Shay’s Cheesesteaks in philadelphia, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Foto: AP/Alejandro A. Alvarez/The Philadelphia Inquirer)
A Philadelphia judge is under scrutiny after being accused of violating state ethics rules due to his involvement in his wife’s cheesesteak business.
The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board filed a complaint tuesday against Common pleas Judge Scott DiClaudio regarding Shay’s Steaks, an upscale cheesesteak establishment that opened near City Hall more than a year ago. The complaint alleges that DiClaudio improperly used his judicial status to promote the restaurant.
Key Questions and Answers
What is the nature of the ethics complaint against Judge Scott DiClaudio?
The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board filed a complaint against Judge Scott DiClaudio alleging he improperly used his judicial status to promote his wife’s cheesesteak restaurant, Shay’s Steaks.
What does the complaint specifically allege?
The complaint alleges that Judge DiClaudio violated state ethics rules by his involvement in his wife’s cheesesteak business, specifically by promoting the restaurant using his position as a judge.
What is Judge DiClaudio’s response to the complaint?
Judge DiClaudio has dismissed the complaint as a “farce” and maintains he played a permissible “support role” at Shay’s Steaks.
What is the role of the Judicial Conduct Board?
The Judicial Conduct Board is responsible for investigating and prosecuting potential judicial misconduct in Pennsylvania.
Who will hear the case against Judge DiClaudio?
The Court of Judicial Discipline will hear the case regarding the ethics complaint against Judge DiClaudio.
What is Shay’s Steaks and where is it located?
Shay’s Steaks is an upscale cheesesteak restaurant located near City hall in Philadelphia.
How has Judge DiClaudio been involved with Shay’s Steaks?
DiClaudio has been reported to have had a “support role” at the restaurant. He has also discussed business decisions related to it publicly, such as pricing and ingredients, in a podcast interview cited by the board.
Why is Judge DiClaudio’s involvement in the restaurant drawing attention?
The judge’s involvement has raised concerns due to potential conflicts of interest and the use of his judicial status in connection with the business. News coverage has also consistently mentioned his position as a judge.
What is Judge DiClaudio’s defense regarding his involvement?
DiClaudio believes his involvement may boost public confidence in judges. He mentioned in the article that his involvement might actually improve the public’s perception of judges, “giving them confidence in the judiciary — that we’re not all robots.”
Timeline of Events
Here’s a breakdown of the key events discussed in the article:
More than a year ago: Shay’s Steaks opens near City Hall in Philadelphia.
Tuesday: The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board files an ethics complaint against Judge scott DiClaudio.
Tuesday: Judge DiClaudio dismisses the complaint and defends his involvement.
Summary of Key Points
Here’s a summary of key details related to this situation:
Aspect
Details
Judge Involved
Common Pleas Judge Scott DiClaudio
Restaurant
Shay’s Steaks (owned by his wife)
Allegation
Improper use of judicial status to promote the restaurant.
Complaint Filed By
Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board
DiClaudio’s Response
Dismisses the complaint as a ”farce”, claiming only a “support role”.
Next steps
The Court of Judicial Discipline will hear the case.
