Gold Star Chili

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Gold Star Chili logo

Gold Star Chili is a chain of restaurants based in Cincinnati, Ohio, known for its Cincinnati chili. The company was founded in 1965 by four Daoud brothers, immigrants from Jordan, who initially operated a hamburger restaurant before transitioning to chili.

History[edit | edit source]

Gold Star Chili was established in 1965 when the Daoud brothers purchased a restaurant called Hamburger Heaven in Mount Washington, Cincinnati. They decided to focus on chili, a popular local dish, and rebranded the restaurant as Gold Star Chili. The name "Gold Star" was inspired by the gold star-shaped medallions that the brothers received for their service in the United States Army.

Menu[edit | edit source]

The menu at Gold Star Chili features a variety of dishes centered around their signature Cincinnati chili. Key items include:

  • 3-Way: Spaghetti topped with chili and shredded cheese.
  • 4-Way: Spaghetti topped with chili, shredded cheese, and either onions or beans.
  • 5-Way: Spaghetti topped with chili, shredded cheese, onions, and beans.
  • Cheese Coney: A hot dog topped with chili, mustard, onions, and shredded cheese.
  • Chili Cheese Fries: French fries topped with chili and shredded cheese.

In addition to these traditional items, Gold Star Chili also offers salads, sandwiches, and various side dishes.

Locations[edit | edit source]

Gold Star Chili operates numerous locations primarily in the Greater Cincinnati area, with some locations in Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. The company has expanded through both company-owned and franchised locations.

Cincinnati Chili[edit | edit source]

Cincinnati chili is a regional style of chili con carne characterized by the use of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and chocolate. It is typically served over spaghetti or hot dogs and is a staple of Cincinnati cuisine. Gold Star Chili is one of the major purveyors of this unique style, alongside Skyline Chili and other local establishments.

Community Involvement[edit | edit source]

Gold Star Chili is known for its involvement in the local community. The company supports various charitable organizations and events, including partnerships with local schools and sports teams.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD