Gobs of meat offered at Soldier Field this season: New sandwiches include spicy sloppy joes, ‘Gym Shoes’

The Lake Shore Drive Hoagie is Aramark’s take on a South Side tradition, the “Gym Shoe” sandwich. | Syd Stone/Sun-Times

Fans can still get their hot dogs, chicken tenders and french fries at Soldier Field, but fans can expect a little more flavor during the Bears’ centennial season.

The team on Monday unveiled a handful of new offerings, ranging from spicy sloppy joes to “Gym Shoe” sandwiches, a South Side favorite.

Soldier Field executive chef Tom Elder said Aramark, the stadium’s food provider, analyzes food sales and feedback after every season, then develops new menu items.

Elder’s personal favorite? The Hot Bob sandwich.

“The Hot Bob is sloppy joe’s little, spicy brother,” Elder said. It features ghost-chili-seasoned beef and fried onions on a hoagie roll.

The Hot Bob sandwich is among new offerings at Chicago Bears games this season.

Another new menu item: the Lake Shore Drive Hoagie. It’s the stadium’s version of a South Side favorite, the “Gym Shoe” sandwich. The Bears serve it on a sesame hoagie roll, stuffed with gyro meat, corned beef and Italian beef, then topped with Tzatziki sauce, giardiniera and tomatoes.

Elder said he and his team tried 10 different Gym Shoes before developing Soldier Field’s version.

For vegan Bears fans, the team will sell Lightlife’s plant-based burger in two locations at the stadium.

Lightlife’s vegan, plant-based burger.

The stadium is also introducing a few new chicken options branded as “Tender Love and Chicken.”

Why? “Because everybody loves chicken,” Elder said.

Other additions this year include spicier chicken tenders, ranch-seasoned fries and a crispy chicken sandwich with bacon at the West Colonnade concourse.

The Bears also announced this season will feature chef pop-ups in the Skyline Suite and United Club. Chefs Kevin Hickey of The Duck Inn and Ryan McCaskey (who is not related to Bears ownership) of Acadia already have signed on to participate.