National Italian Beef Day

History of National Italian Beef Day

The Italian beef sandwich originated in Chicago in the 1930s, and it has become a ‘bread and butter’ for the city and statewide. It is a classic option for the ‘blue collars’ lunch — it often appears at catered parties and events. The classical Italian beef consists of thinly shaved roast beef, sweet peppers, giardiniera (sottaceti), and au jus served on a long bread roll. There are different variations, such as the removal of sweet peppers and the addition of melted cheddar. Regardless of what you put on it, you can typically order it dry or wet/dipped, depending on how juicy you want that. Some even think it is not original unless it is dripping with beef juice.

The origins are believed to be in Chicago’s Italian immigrant population that worked in the barnyards in the early 1900s. When workers would bring home tough meat from the factories that couldn’t be sold, they roasted it in spices, sliced it thinly, and served it on rolls to improve the taste. They engendered serving it at the local weddings and dinners to feed everyone, and the sandwich increased in popularity. It is difficult to pinpoint one specific point in time or person who presented the Italian beef, but most Chicago beefers would say that Pasquale Scala and a crew of his friends started it all.

Italian Beef Day started informally in 2014. After that, in 2017, Buona — a restaurant of Original Italian Beef — announced the first annual National Italian Beef Day. They decided to create a national holiday in memory of Chicago’s authentic Italian beef. The day generally falls on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.

National Italian Beef Day timeline

1938

Italian Beef

“Al Ferreri” invents the sandwich.

1950

Widespread Popularity

The Italian beef sandwich is growing in popularity across the U.S.

1981

Buona Beef

The restaurant is founded by Joe and Peggy Buonawolanto.

2015

Italian Beef Week

Portillo’s establishes the national holiday as a tribute to this sandwich and its history.

National Italian Beef Day FAQs

When is National Italian Beef Day?

In 2027, National Italian Beef Day will be celebrated on Saturday, May 22, offering another fantastic opportunity to indulge in thinly sliced, juicy beef. Mark your calendars for a delicious culinary experience.

How did Italian beef sandwiches originate?

Tracing its roots to Chicago’s Italian immigrant community in the 1930s, the Italian beef sandwich was born out of resourcefulness. Originally served at weddings, the practice of dipping the sandwich in the beef’s cooking juices made the meat more tender and flavorful, quickly becoming a local favorite.

How popular is Italian beef outside Chicago?

Beyond its Chicago birthplace, Italian beef has a growing fan base, with dedicated eateries popping up in major cities nationwide. Its unique flavor profile and hearty nature appeal to a broad audience, cementing its status as a beloved American sandwich, not just a regional specialty.

What is the difference between 'dipped' and 'wet' Italian beef?

The terms ‘dipped’ and ‘wet’ refer to how much au jus is added to the Italian beef sandwich. ‘Dipped’ provides a quick bath for the whole sandwich, resulting in a moist bite, whereas ‘wet’ drenches the sandwich in additional gravy for an intensely flavorful and often very messy experience.

National Italian Beef Day Activities

Visit the windy city

Since that Italian beef originated in Chicago, you should visit this city. Only in this way will you be able to delve into the history and feel the atmosphere in which this legendary sandwich was created.

Get a 7-inch Italian beef

Buona has many ways to celebrate Italian Beef Day. Every year they offer a free 7-inch signature Italian beef sandwich with peppers.

Make your beef sandwich

If you do not live in Chicago or do not have the opportunity to visit a restaurant, or you just love to cook yourself, then this is the perfect option for you. You can find a lot of recipes on the Internet, and choose which one you like best.

5 Facts About Chicago That Will Blow Your Mind

There’s a stunning attraction for tourists

Visitors can see four states from the Willis Tower — Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

It has a river that flows backward

The Chicago River is the only river in the world that not only runs through various canals and systems but also flows backward.

The first open-heart surgery was there

Daniel Hale Williams performed the nation’s first open-heart surgery in Chicago at Provident Hospital in 1893.

There is the largest outdoor food festival

Visitors can take part not only in food but also in musical performances of local artists and celebrities.

It’s the home of the Twinkie

The original Twinkie by Jimmy Dewar was filled with banana cream but later was replaced with vanilla cream.

Why We Love National Italian Beef Day

It has an enthralling history

Italian beef dates back to the early 1900s. National Italian Beef Day celebrates the popularity that these sandwiches have enjoyed through the decades.

We love beef

Everyone loves beef. Italian beef is special and will not leave anyone indifferent. You can order it with hot giardiniera or sweet peppers and just the right amount of gravy. This is the perfect day to celebrate our love for beef.