Trending Now - Illinois Declares Italian Beef as Official State Sandwich
WHO:
Block Club Chicago - Rep. Rick Ryan filed legislation designating May 23 as “Italian Beef Day” in Illinois.
Block Club Chicago - Corey Hendrix, who plays Gary “Sweeps” Woods in "The Bear," attended the celebration event in Springfield.
Variety - Corey Hendrix, a Chicago native and actor in "The Bear," was present in Springfield for the resolution.
Block Club Chicago - State Rep. Rick Ryan of Evergreen Park spearheaded the efforts to make Italian beef the official state sandwich.
WHAT:
Block Club Chicago - The resolution commends the “iconic sandwich as a proud symbol of the State’s culinary heritage, immigrant history, and community spirit,” and “extends thanks to the families and proprietors of Italian beef establishments across the State of Illinois in recognition of their enduring contributions to this shared heritage.”
Variety - The Italian beef sandwich was recognized as the official state sandwich of Illinois.
Block Club Chicago - House Resolution 0912 was adopted, designating May 23 as “Italian Beef Day” in Illinois.
Block Club Chicago - House Bill 4669, which aims to make Italian beef the official state sandwich, passed the House on April 15 and has 13 bipartisan co-sponsors.
WHERE:
Variety - The resolution was passed in Springfield, Illinois.
Block Club Chicago - The Italian beef sandwich is a proud symbol of Illinois' culinary heritage and is found in restaurants, stores, and venues across Chicago and its suburbs.
WHEN:
Block Club Chicago - May 23 is officially designated as “Italian Beef Day” in Illinois.
Block Club Chicago - House Bill 4669 was passed on April 15.
WHY:
Block Club Chicago - The resolution commends the Italian beef sandwich as a symbol of the state’s culinary heritage, immigrant history, and community spirit.
Block Club Chicago - Rep. Rick Ryan expressed personal motivation, stating, “It’s a food that goes back to my childhood, so it’s just kind of a natural fit for me.”
HOW:
Block Club Chicago - Ryan celebrated the adoption of the resolution in Springfield with a special event featuring Italian beef sandwiches and a guest appearance by Corey Hendrix.
Block Club Chicago - Rep. Rick Ryan filed legislation to designate May 23 as “Italian Beef Day” and celebrated the adoption with an event featuring Italian beef sandwiches.
(UPDATED May 21, 2026 10:11 UTC)
Illinois is set to officially recognize May 23 as "Italian Beef Day," thanks to legislation filed by Representative Rick Ryan. The resolution honors the iconic sandwich as a symbol of the state's culinary heritage and community spirit, while also expressing gratitude to the families and businesses that contribute to this rich tradition. To celebrate the adoption of this resolution, Ryan hosted an event in Springfield featuring Italian beef sandwiches and a special appearance by Corey Hendrix, who plays Gary “Sweeps” Woods in the hit show "The Bear."
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(UPDATED May 21, 2026 06:22 UTC)
Illinois has officially recognized the Italian beef sandwich as the state sandwich, with House Resolution 0912 being adopted in Springfield. State Representative Rick Ryan, who spearheaded the efforts, has also designated May 23 as “Italian Beef Day” to celebrate this beloved culinary staple, which holds a special place in the hearts of many residents. The resolution highlights the sandwich as a symbol of the state's rich immigrant history and community spirit, with Ryan sharing that it connects to his own childhood memories.