Chili John's, a Burbank restaurant since 1946, is at risk of closing due to ongoing financial struggles, with current sales at only 20% of pre-pandemic levels. Co-owner Steve Hager emphasizes the need for sufficient patronage, stating, “It is a business and it needs to make money.” A newly opened adjacent bar aims to bolster business. The restaurant's iconic chili recipe dates back 130 years to its founder, with significant connection to its history and the local community, impacting its legacy significantly in the face of challenges.
“People will tell me, 'Oh, you guys can't go out of business because you've been here so long,' but it doesn't actually work that way,” said co-owner Steve Hager. “It is a business and it needs to make money and sustain itself in order to stay.”
“We have amazing chili in my opinion,” Hager said, “but people aren't coming in to buy amazing chili - at least not enough in order for us to stay.”
According to Hager, who owns Chili John's with his wife, Claudine, the business never recovered from COVID losses; currently they're grossing only 20% of pre-pandemic sales.
That chili recipe was written down by founder John Isaac roughly 130 years ago, a spin on chuck-wagon meat preservation that he served at his Wisconsin bar and restaurant.
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