Real Reason The Bear’s Real-Life Prototype Doesn’t Watch The Show

In 2022, The Bear series was released on Hulu and unexpectedly became one of the biggest hits.

Young but already titled chef Carmy Berzatto, who has worked in the world's finest establishments, returns to his native Chicago to run The Original Beef of Chicagoland restaurant.

It's an iconic but nondescript diner known for its Italian beef sandwiches. Carmy inherited the place from her older brother Michael, who committed suicide.

The Bear is a dramedy based on the true story of a Chicago family diner. The real-life prototype of the restaurant is Mr. Beef in Chicago, owned by Chris Zucchero. The restaurateur admitted in an interview that he had not seen a single episode of the series:

“I never read or watch anything that Mr. Beef is on... it’s more embarrassment for me. […] Food people are not the same as actors or musicians. […] That’s the same reason why I don’t really promote anything with The Bear. I don’t want to be the guy that’s like, 'Look at me. I’m the f***ng Bear guy.’”

The Bear is the work of producer, screenwriter and director Christopher Storer, who has known Zucchero for many years and was inspired by his restaurant.

The description of The Bear doesn't sound so unique. The news of a relative's death is standard in dramas, and the twist of returning home and giving up on great success is also pretty typical in movies.

But from the very first episode, The Bear manages to surprise the viewers. First of all, by the frantic pace and endless chaos that the protagonist faces every day in Chicago, both in the kitchen and in life.

Carmy has to juggle personal problems, conflicts with coworkers and relatives, and the financial difficulties of his new job.

In the series, drama coexists with comedy and tragedy and irony go hand in hand. The episodes of the show have no clear connection to each other, each of them is an independent story telling a day in the life. But despite the fragmentation and disorder, everything that happens eventually comes together to form a whole.

The Bear's second season was released June 22 and is available on Hulu.

Source: Variety