Chili John's
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1913 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States |
| Founder | John Isaac |
| Defunct | 2020 (Green Bay location) |
| Successor | Burbank location (established 1946) |
| Headquarters | Burbank , United States |
Area served | Green Bay, Wisconsin; Burbank, California |
Key people | Debbie Loguercio (owner), Anthony Loguercio, Alec Loguercio |
| Products | Southwestern-style chili served over spaghetti with oyster crackers and shredded cheese |
| Parent | Loguercio family (Burbank location) |
Chili John's is a dining establishment originally founded in Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1913, with a second branch launched in Burbank, California in 1946. Currently, only the Burbank restaurant remains operational and is recognized as a local icon, notable for its unique U-shaped counter, a mural depicting a mountain lake, and a chili recipe that dates back to the early twentieth century. It holds the distinction of being Burbank’s longest-running continuously operating eatery and has been featured in various motion pictures and television productions.
History
The origins trace back to Lithuanian immigrant John Isaac, who started serving Southwestern-style chili at his Green Bay bar around 1900. Due to the dish’s growing appeal, by 1913 he rebranded the establishment as "Chili John's." This signature chili is traditionally presented atop spaghetti and accompanied by oyster crackers and shredded cheese.
Expansion came through John’s son Ernie, who in 1946 introduced Chili John's to California by opening the Burbank location. This site incorporated the famed U-shaped counter and mountain lake mural, inspired by Ernie's enthusiasm for fishing. For the last two decades, ownership of the Burbank restaurant has been held by the Loguercio family. Following the passing of former proprietor Gene Loguercio in 2009, management transitioned to his wife Debbie along with their sons Anthony and Alec.
The original Green Bay restaurant ceased operations in 2020.
Facing financial difficulties in 2025 due to reduced patronage and a decline in local film production, Chili John’s initiated a fundraising effort and launched an adjacent establishment called the Taproom at Chili John’s. These measures were intended to draw new customers and ensure the preservation of this historic venue.
Media appearances
Chili John's Burbank location has been showcased in television series such as I Am the Night (Episode 3), The Rookie (Season 1, Episode 3), Big Love (Season 2, Episode 8), and Mrs. Davis (Season 1, Episode 6). It has also appeared in films including Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood, Twin Peaks, and Star Trek.
In 2021, the restaurant was spotlighted on the debut episode of Restaurant Recovery, hosted by Todd Graves with guest Snoop Dogg. The program focused on efforts to revive Chili John's following significant setbacks caused by COVID-19 lockdowns affecting Southern California.
See also
- Cincinnati chili, a comparable dish developed independently but similar to Chili John’s signature offering
External links
- Companies based in Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Restaurants established in 1913
- Restaurants in Los Angeles
- Burbank, California
- Restaurants established in 1946
- 1946 establishments in California
- Streamline Moderne architecture in California
- 1913 establishments in Wisconsin
- American companies established in 1913
- American companies established in 1946
- Companies based in Los Angeles County, California