Joseph Zucchero, the founder of the beefy sandwich shop that inspired FX’s popular drama series “The Bear,” has died at the age of 69, according to his son, Christopher Zucchero.
Zucchero was the founder of one of Chicago’s most famous staples, “Mr. Beef”. The restaurant was established in 1979, its menu served Italian beef, Italian sausage, hamburgers and more. His son shared with followers in a instagram post His father died just two weeks after celebrating his birthday in February.
“A part of me, my family and Mr. Beef passed away today. I was incredibly lucky to be the son of this man. I know that,” said Chris, who co-owns the restaurant with his father. Zucchero died unexpectedly on March 1 while undergoing treatment for cancer at Rush Medical Center.
Zucchero continued, “Most people don’t even know their father.” “I lived every moment of my life with her in some way or the other. If there really is a heaven, I hope you’re there, Dad. And I hope to see you again. Joseph Zachary Zucchero 21 February 1954-March 1 2023.
“Mr. Beef” is located on Orleans Street in Chicago, Zucchero’s hometown. He was born and raised on the city’s Northwest Side before moving to Park Ridge in the late 70s. From citywide favorites Moving on to the national must-visit eatery, “Mr. Beef” inspired what is now one of FX’s most popular shows, “The Bear,” much of which was filmed on-location at the restaurant.
The drama series, which stars Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Adebiri, Abbey Elliott, Lionel Boyce and Liza Colon-Zays, has been picked up for a second season in July 2022.
Early in his career, Zucchero worked as a butcher at Dominick’s Finer Foods before opening his own beef stand. He is survived by his wife, their two children and three dogs.
