Illinois Rep. Wants Italian Beef Named 'State Sandwich'

Lawmaker aims to replace Springfield's signature Horseshoe sandwich as the official state sandwich of Illinois.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Illinois State Representative Rick Ryan has introduced a resolution to make the Italian beef sandwich the official state sandwich of Illinois, replacing the current state sandwich, the Horseshoe, which originated in Springfield. Ryan plans to hold a press conference at a popular Chicago Italian beef stand to promote the resolution, which has already passed committee and is expected to go to a full vote in the coming weeks.

Why it matters

The Italian beef sandwich is a beloved Chicago culinary tradition, with origins dating back to the end of World War I, while the Horseshoe sandwich is relatively unknown outside of the Springfield area. Passing this resolution would help elevate the Italian beef sandwich's status and recognition statewide and potentially beyond.

The details

Rep. Ryan's resolution, HR 4669, aims to replace the Horseshoe sandwich, which is an open-faced sandwich made with toast, breaded meat, and cheese sauce, with the Italian beef sandwich as the official state sandwich of Illinois. The Italian beef sandwich, which can be served dipped in its own juices or dry, with various toppings, is considered to have originated in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood in the early 20th century.

  • Rep. Ryan plans to hold a press conference on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Pop's Italian Beef in Chicago.
  • Rep. Ryan expects the resolution to go to the floor for a vote in the coming weeks.

The players

Rep. Rick Ryan

An Illinois state representative from the 36th District who has introduced a resolution to make the Italian beef sandwich the official state sandwich of Illinois.

Anthony Ferreri

A Chicago street peddler who is considered the forebearer of the founders of Al's #1 Italian Beef, the company that claims to have originated the Italian beef sandwich in the early 20th century.

Al's #1 Italian Beef

A Chicago restaurant that claims to have originated the Italian beef sandwich in the early 20th century.

Michael Coffey, Jr.

An Illinois state representative from the 95th District whose family owns the popular Saputo's Italian Restaurant in Springfield.

The Horseshoe

The current official state sandwich of Illinois, which originated in Springfield and is an open-faced sandwich made with toast, breaded meat, and cheese sauce.

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What they’re saying

“Pop's is the place I've been going to for a beef sandwish since I was a little boy. That's my hometown beef stand and still is to this day.”

— Rep. Rick Ryan (Patch.com)

“It's not really a sandwich. It's open faced.”

— Rep. Rick Ryan (Patch.com)

“So many people have texted me their favorite Italian beef place.”

— Rep. Rick Ryan (Patch.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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