Illinois is name-checking the “bear” in an Italian beef ad as the official state sandwich

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Chalk it up to another accolade for Bear: It played a role in naming Illinois’ official state sandwich.

In a proclamation issued Wednesday, the Illinois General Assembly named Italian beef its state sandwich, verifying the name Bear As a reason for the recent resurgence of this delicacy in popular culture. The FX/Hulu series focuses on the employees of a family-owned sandwich shop, The Original Beef, which later morphs into a fine-dining restaurant (and which still serves beef in a side window for take-out).

Cast member and Chicago native Corey Hendricks, who plays Gary “Sweeps” Woods Bearwas at the state Capitol in Springfield for the announcement and a press event that included a food truck serving Italian beef.

“We extend our thanks to the families and owners of Italian beef establishments across Illinois for their lasting contributions to our shared heritage, and affirm our commitment to honoring the cultural and economic contributions of the restaurants, food vendors and hardworking Illinoisans who have kept this tradition alive for generations,” the Illinois House resolution said. “We extend our sincere congratulations and gratitude to the creators, cast and crew Bear For their exceptional depiction of Chicago’s Italian beef culture, for highlighting Illinois nationally and internationally, and for inspiring pride in our state’s rich cultural and culinary identity.

The same bill also designated the horseshoe — an open-faced burger topped with cheese sauce and fries that has its origins in Springfield — as the official open-faced sandwich in Illinois.

Bear Its fifth and final season is scheduled to debut on Hulu and FX on June 25. All five seasons were filmed in and around Chicago and used a real Italian beef shop, Mr. Beef is located on Orleans Street in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, as the location/inspiration for the original beef.

The state’s announcement does not take sides on the best way to order Italian beef, potentially causing intense debate within the legislature. (But dipped in paprika.)

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