Dixon’s Famous Chili Celebrates A Century Of Beans, Meat And Loyal Customers
August 26, 2019 | | 1 min read
Vergne Dixon started selling chili out of a cart – precursor to the modern food truck – before opening his first permanent location at 15th and Olive in Kansas City. At one point, there were as many as 15 Dixon’s drawing customers from across the metro – including Harry Truman. Now, though, there’s a single Dixon’s at 9105 E. U.S. 40 in Independence.
”Every time we closed one of those stores, those fans stayed with us,” said Stephen Steffes, general manager and a fourth-generation family member. “Because we had so many Dixon’s everywhere, I feel like it’s made us a destination restaurant.”
Something must be working. Dixon’s Famous Chili, the longest family-owned restaurant in Kansas City, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Family members share their story of growth and incredible longevity in this video edition of curiousKC.
Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.
Related Stories
Nick’s Picks | Roads, Bathrooms, Costco and More …
New Toll Road Opens Kansas City’s first toll road opens this week. Starting Saturday, you’ll pay up to $3.50 to travel the new express lanes on U.S. Highway 69 from 103rd to 151st streets in Overland Park. There are no toll booths — cameras scan your license plate, and a bill arrives by mail. KTAG…
Up From the Ashes: Warwick Theatre Revival Draws Applause
Two years ago, John Cleary met a fellow Kansas City actor for drinks. Their conversation centered on the fate of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. A large portion of the ensemble’s home, the Warwick Theatre, was ash, charred timbers and soot-saturated costumes and props — remnants from a recent massive fire. The destruction was so great…
Nick’s Picks | Baseball, Drones, Romance and More …
Royals Reveal Next week, the Kansas City Royals head to Arizona for Spring Training. And that’s the mayor’s self-imposed deadline to lock in a stadium deal. So, is this finally the week owner John Sherman steps to the plate and unveils where the Royals will build their next home? At last week’s council meeting, Mayor…