“The Bear” Draws Inspiration from a Renowned Chicago Restaurant.
The phenomenal success of FX’s “The Bear” continues, with audiences captivated by the third season that premiered on June 27. This scripted series provides an insightful look behind the scenes of the restaurant industry, following the journey of two aspiring chefs, Carmy and Sydney, as they endeavor to transform an old family sandwich shop into an upscale dining establishment, all while grappling with the looming possibility of earning a Michelin star.
The show’s fictional restaurant, initially named The Beef (which later evolves into The Bear), is as integral to the narrative as Carmy, Sydney, or their kitchen crew. Its authenticity stems from its real-life counterpart.
Inspired by the renowned Chicago eatery Mr. Beef, known for its Italian beef sandwiches and other classics like hot dogs and cannolis, the setting feels familiar to devoted fans, as many dining room scenes in “The Bear’s” pilot were filmed on location, with several exterior shots from the second season outside the restaurant.
The story of Mr. Beef showcases its founding legacy, emphasizing unique recipes and a commitment to quality that shaped its tradition.
Since its establishment in 1963 by locals Carl Bonovolanto and Tony Ozzauto, Mr. Beef has been an essential part of Chicago’s culinary scene. Joe Zucchero took over the business in 1979, morphing it into a beloved staple. Today, Chris Zucchero, Joe’s son, manages Mr. Beef, keeping with traditions established in the late ’70s, which inspired “The Bear’s” creator, Christopher Storer, to bring the show to life.
Storer and the younger Zucchero have been friends since childhood, with their families closely intertwined. They never expected Storer to write about their family business until he arrived one day with a full TV crew. Alongside shooting at the actual restaurant, they replicated it on a soundstage, and Storer even invited Chris Zucchero to have a cameo in the pilot as Carmy’s meat vendor.
Mr. Beef will not transform into The Bear.
Although Mr. Beef has enjoyed recognition in Chicago’s River North neighborhood (with famous patrons like Jay Leno), the surge in popularity after the release of “The Bear” is something the Zuccheros are still coming to terms with. Joe Zucchero, who sadly passed away in 2023, expressed admiration for Chris Storer and the creative team behind “The Bear” before his death. Nevertheless, Chris Zucchero and his sister remain committed to sustaining the family business.
As “The Bear” showcases a transformed Michelin-star-worthy restaurant in its third season, celebrating the hectic nature of fine dining, Mr. Beef remains steadfastly unchanged and continues regular operations. Chris Zucchero has declined numerous promotional offers tied to the show and reportedly hasn’t watched it himself, opting to maintain the traditional ethos that makes Mr. Beef the legendary establishment it is today.
