Chili John's

Chili John's
Chili John's in Burbank, California
Interactive map of Chili John's
Restaurant information
Established1913 (Green Bay); 1946 (Burbank)
OwnerLoguercio family
Previous owner(s)John Isaac; Ernie Isaac; Gene Loguercio
Food typeChili parlor (Southwestern chili; often served over spaghetti)
LocationBurbank, Los Angeles County, California, United States
Coordinates34°10′48″N 118°20′1″W / 34.18000°N 118.33361°W / 34.18000; -118.33361

Chili John's is a restaurant that originated in Green Bay, Wisconsin, opening in 1913. A second restaurant was opened in Burbank, California, in 1946.[1] The Burbank location, which remains the only operating branch, has become a local landmark recognised for its distinctive U-shaped counter, mountain lake mural, and long-standing chili recipe dating back to the early 1900s. The restaurant has appeared in numerous films and television series and is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Burbank.[2]

History

Lithuanian immigrant John Isaac began serving Southwestern chili at his Green Bay bar in 1900.[3] Thirteen years later, the chili grew so popular that he renamed the establishment "Chili John's". The chili is most commonly served over spaghetti with oyster crackers and/or shredded cheese, though it can be ordered in a number of other ways as well.[4]

His son Ernie moved to Los Angeles and launched Chili John's of California in 1946, installing the U-shaped counter[5] and, since he was an avid fisherman, painted the mountain lake mural. For the past 20 years, the Loguercio family has owned Chili John's.[6] The former owner Gene died in April 2009, and his wife Debbie has carried on with their sons Anthony and Alec.[7]

The Green Bay location closed in 2020.[8]

In 2025, Chili John’s faced renewed financial difficulties due to declining customer turnout and reduced film production activity in the Burbank area.[9] To help sustain the restaurant, owners launched a fundraising campaign and opened an adjacent venue, the Taproom at Chili John’s, intending to attract new patrons and preserve the long-standing establishment.[9][1]

Media appearances

The location was used in the TV series I Am the Night Episode 3,[10] The Rookie[4] Season 1 - Episode 3, Big Love[4] Season 2, Episode 8 (Kingdom Come), Mrs. Davis Season 1, Episode 6 (Allison Treasures: A Southern California Story),[11] and in the films Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood, Twin Peaks, and Star Trek.[9]

In 2021, Chili John's was featured in the first episode of Restaurant Recovery, hosted by Todd Graves and featuring Snoop Dogg.[9] The episode has Graves helping Chili John's come back from the "brink of collapse" as a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns in Southern California.[12]

See also

  • Cincinnati chili, similar to this restaurant's signature dish, but developed independently

References

  1. ^ a b Jamerson, Mogan (June 7, 2025). "Historic Burbank chili joint tries to avoid 'slow, painful death'". KCRW. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  2. ^ Carroll, Tom; Castillo, Rebecca (May 28, 2025). "Historic Chili John's looks towards the future". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  3. ^ Brooker, Heather (March 21, 2025). "Chili John's in Burbank Might Close Down After 79 Years". KFI AM 640. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c Palmer, Karen (February 16, 2024). "Walt Disney himself loved this legendary California restaurant". SFGATE. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  5. ^ Addison, Bill; Breijo, Stephanie; Harris, Jenn (May 22, 2022). "The 25 best classic diners in Los Angeles". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  6. ^ "On the Grid: Chili John's". Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  7. ^ Bellantoni, Cassandra M. (June 18, 2011). "Dishing up a spicy tradition". Glendale News-Press. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  8. ^ "Chili John's to close after decades in Green Bay". wearegreenbay.com.
  9. ^ a b c d Breijo, Stephanie (March 21, 2025). "One of L.A.'s oldest restaurants is at risk of closing. Could a new bar save it?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  10. ^ Tallerico, Brian (February 11, 2019). "'I Am the Night' Recap: Touch of Evil". Vulture. New York. Retrieved October 22, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  11. ^ Hough, Q. V. (April 22, 2023). "Soundtracks of Television: 'Mrs. Davis'". Vague Visages. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
  12. ^ Cahn, Lauren (March 24, 2021). "Everything You Need To Know About Restaurant Recovery". Mashed. Static Media. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
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