Illinois Names 'The Italian Beef' as Official State Sandwich

[JamesG]

"The Bear" Honored by State of Illinois as The Italian Beef is Named The Official State Sandwich
by Armando Tinoco
May 20, 2026


FX’s "The Bear" received a unique honor from the State of Illinois, as it recognized the show’s signature Italian Beef as the Official State Sandwich.

Series star and Chicago native Corey Hendrix joined state officials in Springfield, Ill. in support of the official resolution and a press event that included a food truck serving complimentary Italian Beef sandwiches outside the capitol building.



Tracing its origins to the working-class Italian immigrant communities of Chicago in the early 20th century, the Italian Beef sandwich has been a staple to generations of residents, visitors and loyal devotees, according to the resolution. The sandwich itself is described as a thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled high on a sturdy Italian roll, dipped in rich beef au jus, and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.

The Italian Beef sandwich plays a central role in the acclaimed FX series, which follows the evolution of a family-owned Italian Beef sandwich shop into the fine-dining restaurant The Bear.

https://deadline.com/gallery/the-bea...ndwich-bill-2/