We like to find out the history of each chili parlor we visit, but unfortunately despite Chili Time having a long history in town, we could not find out a lot about its history at the restaurant or on the internet. We did find out some info during our sleuthing but not enough for a full fledged history post, so we will share the tidbits we found. If any Chili Time aficionados have more information about the restaurant, please share!
- There used to be multiple Chili Time locations. The one and only Chili Time still operating is located in St. Bernard. There used to be a Chili Time in Roselawn as well that many long time residents have fond memories of. However that location closed in the mid 90's. There appears to have been one in Bond Hill at one point, but not sure when that location was in operation.
- Chili Time is another Cincinnati chili parlor that can trace its roots back to the original Cincinnati chili parlor, Empress Chili.
- Chili Time is owned by someone named Chris. Don't know a last name, so I'm just gonna assume he has none and is the Madonna or Bono of the Cincinnati chili scene.
- There has been some major controversy at Chili Time within the past year. There was a waitress named Pam Holbrook who had worked at Chili Time for over 20 years and was very well liked by the Chili Time regulars. However she was fired in early 2010. This angered many of those regulars, who then started a group on facebook to try to get her rehired. Based on my research it doesn't look like that worked as she lists Walmart as her current employer. (I also found out via her MySpace profile that she is a "sexy bitch" and a "proud grandma". I would link to her profile, but I wouldn't wish going to MySpace upon any of my readers)
- MC Hammer may, or may not, have been involved in the naming of Chili Time.
Love the quest.
ReplyDeleteHammer was born in 1962. Chili Time was already existing by then. At least the one in Bond Hill was.
There was also on in Oakley and Queensgate
(across from the Holiday Inn)
I know this is an old post, but there was never a Chili Time in Oakley or Queensgate. Bond Hill, Roselawn, & St. Bernard were the only locations.
DeleteThere was a restaurant called Chili Time in Oakley at Brotherton and Madison. Sounds like maybe it was a restaurant of the exact same name without being part of this chain? Strange...
DeleteI worked at Chili Time on Reading Rd. Cincinnati,Ohio . That was in 1969 or69 . I loved working there . I worked for Ted and Tom . George and Nick were the night time cooks . We were open all night . We closed at 5:00 am . Everything was cleaned and reopened at 7:00 am I think . . It was a great place to work !
DeleteMy Name is Rhonda I worked with Helen and Betty . Can’t remember the other names .
DeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteSounds like Chili Time was once a pretty big player in the Cincinnati Chili scene. I wonder how or why it has dwindled down to only one location.
Super old post, I know, but I just now ran across this. The two brothers who owned it are now deceased as is the only child of one of the brothers. Roselawn was changing and many of the businesses that used to be located there had also moved out (Marx Bagels, Kostovos furs, etc). Bond Hill was the first one, but was very small, and as business increased, they needed to find a bigger location, so Roselawn came into being. The owners had no intention of creating multiple locations as they wanted to be present and involved in the daily operations of their business.
DeleteThe original Chili Time was located in St. Bernard across Vine Street from its current location. It was a very tiny place, always crowded with regulars consuming, what else, Time Burgers. In their current location, Chili Time has the distinction of being the fanciest place in St. Bernard. Good food with great service!
ReplyDeleteThere was a Chili Time on Reading Rd . I worked there for a few years . My employer was Ted and Tom his Dad . Tom worked night shift . I loved working there .
DeleteCool, thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteUsed to go to the Roselawn location lots!! Great chili and burgers... Great hours and location.... This restaurant existed way before Hammer.. I went in the early 70s
ReplyDeleteYes , Hammer was barely 10 years old then... Unless he was a prodigy!
DeleteCincinnati chili really rules!!!!
DeleteWas there a Chili Time in Bond Hill. I know there was.
ReplyDeleteWas there a Chili Time in Bond Hill. I know there was.
ReplyDeleteYep. The first one.
DeleteIt was called Chili Town in Bond Hill. There was also a location in downtown Cincinnati (across from Shillitos), in later years.
ReplyDeleteThat is incorrect. The first Chili Time was in Bond Hill. The location of Chili Town (Tim Demas) was downtown and unaffililiated with Chili Time. The author below here got the history spot on:
DeleteUnknownNovember 30, 2019 at 6:20 PM
Super old post, I know, but I just now ran across this. The two brothers who owned it are now deceased as is the only child of one of the brothers. Roselawn was changing and many of the businesses that used to be located there had also moved out (Marx Bagels, Kostovos furs, etc). Bond Hill was the first one, but was very small, and as business increased, they needed to find a bigger location, so Roselawn came into being. The owners had no intention of creating multiple locations as they wanted to be present and involved in the daily operations of their business.