At that time, another embargo against Italian beef, because of foot-and-mouth disease, was also lifted.

Italian beef can also be shredded instead of sliced.

Hot dipped: Italian beef on gravy-wetted bread and giardiniera.

Hot dipped combo: Italian beef and sausage on gravy-wetted bread with giardiniera.

Sweet dry: Italian beef placed on dry bread, topped with sweet peppers.

Boxes of Italian beef, hot dogs, barbecue ribs and tamales are available for shipping to all 50 states.

The chain's main competition are mostly local, privately owned stores, most of which also specialize in Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dogs.

Many locally owned fast-food restaurants serve hot dogs, Italian beef and gyros.

The company advertises burgers in several European countries as using Italian beef.

Bulk purchases of Italian beef are $7.50 a pound; sausage costs $4 a pound.