#FOOD: BEAR STEAK SANDWICHES ANNOUNCE LAUNCH OF DOCU-SERIES “THE BACKYARD BOYS”

BEAR Steak Sandwiches is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever docu-series, The Backyard Boys — an intimate, energetic, and deeply Toronto story documenting the rise of the brand, the evolution of founders Ricardo Barrientos and Aki Erenberg, and the community that helped shape BEAR into one of the city’s most talked-about food destinations.

Premiering January 9 on YouTube, the eight-episode series offers an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look at the victories, chaos, and creative sparks that define BEAR’s journey. Part Chef’s Table, part “man on the street,” The Backyard Boys captures the raw, unfiltered reality of running a fast-growing food operation while navigating the pressures and joys of building something with your best friend.

What began as a backyard pop-up in 2021 has since grown into a citywide favourite, known for its indulgent sandwiches, bold flavours, and a culture rooted in collaboration. The Backyard Boys pulls
the curtain back on that evolution, featuring guest appearances from Toronto chefs, food creators,
butchers, and local institutions that have played a meaningful role in BEAR’s story.

The series concludes with a major milestone for the brand: the reveal of BEAR’s second location at The Well, marking the start of its next chapter.

“At BEAR, our story has always been shaped by the people around us – the chefs, the creators, the neighbourhoods, and the customers who believed in us from day one,” said Aki Erenberg, co-founder of BEAR Steak Sandwiches. “The Backyard Boys lets people see the heart behind the sandwiches. It’s messy, it’s emotional, it’s real and it’s entirely Toronto.”

“With food in this city, it’s never just about what’s on the plate,” said Ricardo Barrientos, co-founder of BEAR Steak Sandwiches. “It’s about the energy, the collaborations, the culture, and the way people show up for each other. This series is our love letter to the community that’s been with us from the backyard to The Well.”

EPISODE GUIDE + FEATURED GUESTS
● Episode 1: Taste of Little Italy + Intro to BEAR

● Episode 2: The Hot Ass Chicken Sandwich — feat. The Heartbreak Chef + Nosso
Talho Butchershop

● Episode 3: The Butter BEAR — feat. Chef Dev, Masa Deli, Patrick Tomasso

● Episode 4: Brisket on a Hot Honey Butter Biscuit — feat. Golden Horseshoe BBQ +
Fat Rabbit

● Episode 5: The Burger Special

● Episode 6: The Eataly-ian BEAR Special — feat. Eataly + Tre Mari Bakery

● Episode 7: The Holiday Special — feat. Tiana Jayatunga

● Episode 8: The Faves Thai Special — feat. Faves Thai BBQ

Additional Toronto foodies and content creators appear throughout the series, capturing the spirit of the city’s vibrant food culture.