“The Bear” may be ending soon, but the show’s landmark Italian beef sandwich isn’t going anywhere. On Wednesday, it was recognized as Illinois’ official state sandwich.
Chicago native Corey Hendricks, who plays Gary “Sweeps” Woods in “The Bear,” was also in Springfield when the official resolution was passed.
“‘The Bear’ is one of America’s great Midwest cuisines and has brought international attention to a defining symbol of Illinois’ vibrant food culture,” the resolution reads. The series also served as a “powerful and authentic depiction of Chicago’s food culture, immigrant working-class roots, and the spirit of resilience, creativity, and excellence that characterizes the people of Illinois…[while]introducing the Italian beef sandwich to a new generation of fans around the world.”
Left to right: Illinois Congressman Rick Ryan, “The Bear” actor Corey Hendricks, and Congressman Dave Berra.
Michael Thomas/PictureGroup for FX
The resolution traces the origins of the Italian beef sandwich to Chicago’s working-class Italian immigrant communities in the early 20th century, calling the sandwich “an ambassador of Illinois culture far beyond the state’s borders.”
Sandwiches take center stage at The Bear, a family-owned Italian beef sandwich shop that has evolved into a fine dining restaurant.
According to the official description, the show’s fifth and final season begins “the morning after Sidney (Ayo Edebiri), Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Natalie ‘Sugar’ (Abby Elliott) learn that Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) has left the restaurant industry in favor of the restaurant, without any money. Threatened by the threat of a sale and a violent storm, the new partner must unite with the rest of the team.” While hoping they can finally earn a Michelin star, they learn that in the end it may be the people, not the food, that make a restaurant “perfect” in order to achieve the final service. ” The series also stars Lionel Boyce, Liza Colon-Zayas, Matti Matheson and Hendrix, with recurring roles from Ricky Staffieri, Oliver Platt, Will Poulter and Jamie Lee Curtis.
“The Bear” actor Corey Hendricks at a food truck during a press conference on the Illinois Sandwich Bill
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“The Bear” is created by Christopher Storer, who serves as executive producer along with Matheson, Josh Sr., Cooper Wede, Tyson Bidner, Hiro Murai and Rene Gube. Courtney Storer serves as culinary producer. Season 5 will premiere on June 25th.
