Bear Steak Sandwiches
#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.
#FOOD: BEAR STEAK SANDWICHES OPENS SECOND LOCATION AT TORONTO’S WELLINGTON MARKET (THE WELL)
Following the success of its Little Italy flagship and growing demand across the city, BEAR Steak Sandwiches is proud to announce the opening of its second location at The Well’s Wellington Market, one of Toronto’s premier lifestyle and dining destinations.
Founded by longtime friends Ricardo Barrientos and Aki Erenberg, BEAR began in 2021 as a backyard pop-up where Ricardo’s now-signature steak sandwich first made its debut. What started as a few friends sharing a meal quickly became one of Toronto’s most buzzed-about new food concepts, thanks to its simple, crave-worthy menu of just three items and commitment to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Known for its indulgent steak sandwiches, bold house sauces, and flavour-first philosophy, BEAR Steak Sandwiches has cemented itself as a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike. With a devoted social media following, steady five-star reviews, and a loyal customer base, BEAR has grown from grassroots pop-up to citywide favourite.
“Our first location showed us just how hungry Toronto is for food that’s bold, creative, and made with intention,” said Aki Erenberg, co-founder of BEAR Steak Sandwiches. “We’ve always kept the menu simple on purpose. When you focus on doing one thing really well, people notice. This second location isn’t just about growth; it’s about pushing our creativity, collaborating with local talent, and becoming part of more people’s everyday routines. We want BEAR to be more than a meal – it’s a way to connect with the city and the people in it.”
The expansion reflects not only BEAR’s culinary success, but its growing role in Toronto’s cultural scene. From collaborations with local favourites like Great Fountain, Favorites Thai BBQ and Renaissance Pizza to brand partnerships with Grolsch, BEAR’s culture of collaboration has become a defining part of its DNA. Their minimalist menu, anchored by a perfectly grilled steak sandwich topped with house-made chimichurri on a toasted Portuguese bun, keeps fans coming back again and again.
“With food in Toronto, it’s never just about the meal – it’s about who you’re with, the story behind it, and how it brings people together,” said co-founder Ricardo Barrientos. “We’ve been lucky to collaborate with incredible chefs, artists, and influencers who elevate the experience. This next chapter gives us even more space to push our creativity and make what we do more accessible to everyone.”.
Opening Date: Monday, July 14th
Location: Wellington Market, 486 Front Street West, Toronto, ON
Hours: 11am-10pm
Social: @bearsteaksandwiches
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