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“The Bear” might be ending soon, but the show’s landmark Italian Beef sandwich isn’t going anywhere: It was recognized as the official state sandwich of Illinois on Wednesday. Corey Hendrix, the Chicago native who plays Gary “Sweeps” Woods in “The Bear,” was present in Springfield as the official resolution was passed. “’The Bear’ brought international attention to one of the great culinary creations of the American Midwest and a defining symbol of Illinois’ vibrant food culture,” the resolution reads. It also says that the series has “served as a powerful and authentic portrayal of Chicago’s food culture, its immigrant working-class roots, and the spirit of resilience, creativity, and excellence that defines
the people of Illinois… [while also introducing] the Italian Beef sandwich to new generations of fans across the globe.”
The resolution traced the origins of the Italian Beef sandwich to the working-class Italian immigrant communities of Chicago in the early 20th century, calling it an “ambassador of Illinois culture far beyond the state’s borders.”
The sandwich plays a central role in “The Bear,” which follows the evolution of a family-owned Italian Beef sandwich shop into a fine-dining restaurant.
Per the official description, the show’s fifth and final season “picks up the morning after Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Natalie “Sugar” (Abby Elliott) discover that Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) has quit the food industry, leaving the restaurant to them. With no money, the threat of a sale and a torrential storm in their way, the new partners must band together with the rest of the team to achieve one last service, hoping they’ll finally earn a Michelin star. Ultimately, they learn that what makes a restaurant ‘perfect’ might not be the food, but the people.” The series also stars Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Matty Matheson and Hendrix, with Ricky Staffieri, Oliver Platt, Will Poulter and Jamie Lee Curtis in recurring roles.
“The Bear” was created by Christopher Storer, who serves as executive producer alongside Matheson, Josh Senior, Cooper Wehde, Tyson Bidner, Hiro Murai and Rene Gube. Courtney Storer serves as a culinary producer. Season 5 premieres on June 25.
