Close followers of the Brand will know in the early years I was independently funded from me working in hospitality, at times throwing in my whole paycheck to be able to afford to make certain garments. Most notably in 2022 I funded the Heavy Garments Supply drop just off washing dishes.
It's no surprise when "The Bear" came out I recognised that world and the characters within it. It had a shared philosophy with Milkbar on the beauty in the mundane.
The quote that got me sentimental along side the intro for the season was when Mikey was pitching Tina on joining the Beef:
“This fucking place, it sucks. You go home, and you fucking smell it. And it’s insane, and there’s so much fucking yelling here. But, I swear to you, there are days that it is so much fun.”
What The Bear gets so right are the details. Clothes I own will never not smell like beef or a deep fryer. There is a stench of exhaustion that lingers in hospitality, leading all to have to lean on their peers and coworkers. Allowing your mate to lift your spirits.
I think the relationship I have with The Bear and even my time working in hospitality has been a journey of loving and sympathising with people a lot better. The opportunity to have the perspective of someone I may have never spoken to.
Coming out of school or even before then I knew I wouldn't work a normal job or have a cookie cutter life and I now fight to have that be my reality. The first thing that comes to mind when I see something like the intro to Season 3 is "these people work so hard". They may not be working smart but I can at least connect and respect on the effort they put in day in day out.
I now in moments almost envy in aspects the simplicity of following a normal path where in the past I may not understand why or how people could do so.
My Raglan T-Shirt's are heavily inspired by a lot of 70's references but also how fitted Carmy's T-Shirt is. There are a few left but I'd also like some responses today through email or DM if you would all like a restock and if there are any colour preferences I could have for late spring/early summer this year.
Cheers, Simon
