Illinois designates Italian Beef as state sandwich

The Italian Beef sandwich, a Chicago culinary staple for over a century, has been officially designated the state sandwich of Illinois. The recognition, formalized by the state legislature in Springfield on Wednesday, directly credits the global popularity of the FX and Hulu series "The Bear" for amplifying the dish's profile.

Chicago native and series actor Corey Hendrix, who plays Gary "Sweeps" Woods, attended the ceremony at the state capitol. A food truck served free Italian Beef sandwiches to mark the occasion. The official resolution states the show 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 further credits the series for offering 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. It describes the sandwich as an ambassador of Illinois culture far beyond the state's borders.

The Italian Beef sandwich originated in Chicago's Italian immigrant communities in the early 20th century. The traditional preparation features...