Illinois Officially Declares the Italian Beef Its State Sandwich and Shouts Out The Bear

In a major nod to regional food culture, Springfield lawmakers have crowned the Italian Beef as Illinois' official state sandwich, dropping a formal thank-you note to FX's The Bear just before the legendary show wraps its final season.

 FX

The Illinois General Assembly has formally designated the Italian beef sandwich as the official state sandwich of Illinois, and it wishes to inform The Bear of its involvement in this decision. On May 20, the state senate formally acknowledged the FX series as a significant factor in the sandwich's recent revival in popular culture, with cast member and Chicago native Corey Hendrix attending the Capitol in Springfield to accept a framed copy of the resolution.

The resolution merits consideration on its own merits, as it is exceptionally well-crafted for a piece of state legislation. The origins of Italian beef are attributed to the working-class Italian immigrant communities in early 20th century Chicago. The sandwich is described as a “ambassador of Illinois culture beyond the state’s borders,” and the series is noted for providing a compelling and authentic representation of Chicago’s food culture, its immigrant working-class heritage, and the resilience, creativity, and excellence characteristic of the people of Illinois. A food truck was stationed outside the Capitol, offering complimentary Italian beef sandwiches, prompting contemplation on why more legislative sessions do not conclude in this manner.

Hendrix, portraying Gary “Sweeps” Woods on the show and a Chicago native, represented the production at the event with state representatives Rick Ryan and Dave Vella, as well as Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. The series filmed all five seasons in and around Chicago, utilizing Mr. Beef on Orleans Street in the River North area as the setting and inspiration for the Original Beef of Chicagoland. The prominence of the authentic shop and city in the series contributes to the proclamation's perception as sincere rather than merely promotional.

The fifth and concluding season of The Bear debuts on June 25 on FX and Hulu.