Illinois Lawmaker Pushes to Make Italian Beef State Sandwich

State Rep. Rick Ryan leads effort to enshrine iconic Chicago dish in state law.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Illinois State Representative Rick Ryan has introduced legislation to officially designate the Italian beef sandwich as the state's official sandwich. The iconic Chicago dish, featuring thinly sliced roast beef dipped in savory au jus, has long been a beloved regional specialty, and Ryan believes formalizing its status will help promote the state's culinary heritage.

Why it matters

The push to make the Italian beef the official state sandwich reflects a broader effort to celebrate Illinois' unique food culture and identity. As a quintessential Chicago dish, the Italian beef sandwich has become a source of local pride, and officially recognizing it could boost tourism and economic opportunities around the iconic meal.

The details

Rep. Ryan's bill would add the Italian beef sandwich to the list of official state symbols, joining items like the state bird (the northern cardinal) and state mineral (fluorite). If passed, the legislation would require state agencies and public schools to serve Italian beef sandwiches at official functions and events.

  • Rep. Ryan introduced the bill in the Illinois General Assembly on March 1, 2026.

The players

Rick Ryan

An Illinois state representative who has introduced legislation to make the Italian beef sandwich the official state sandwich.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Italian beef is a quintessential part of our state's culinary heritage, and I believe it's time we give it the recognition it deserves.”

— Rick Ryan, Illinois State Representative (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

The bill will now move through the Illinois legislature, where it will need to be approved by both the state House and Senate before being signed into law by the governor.

The takeaway

The push to make the Italian beef sandwich the official state sandwich of Illinois reflects a broader effort to celebrate the state's unique food culture and identity, showcasing a beloved regional dish that has become a source of local pride.