Here are five things to know about Gold Star Chili’s new restaurant and the chain itself:
1. There’s more to it than secret family recipe chili
The new location also features the chain’s new expanded menu. That includes new items like Gold Star’s fresh-grilled 100 percent American beef burgers, double-decker deli sandwiches, hand-tossed entrée salads, specialty fries and real ice cream milk shakes, served alongside Gold Star’s famous 3-ways and Cheese Coneys.
2. The restaurant is helping a good cause
A preview fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. today, April 5, will allow guests to make a donation to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and enjoy a complimentary meal from a select menu, as the kitchen and dining room crews train for the restaurant’s debut.
The idea to host a fundraiser to benefit Cincinnati Children’s also grows out of Gold Star’s history, according to company CEO Roger David, whose father and uncles founded the brand in 1965.
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Gold Star operates a restaurant at the hospital’s main campus and has donated tens of thousands of dollars in support of the hospital’s Co-operative Society in recent years.
“It’s a cause that’s important to our team and our customers,” David said. “We know how important Cincinnati Children’s is to this community in Southwestern Butler County. We want to thank the community for welcoming Gold Star and for helping us again support the great work of Cincinnati Children’s at the same time.”
3. The menu isn’t the only thing that is new
The new restaurant also features Gold Star’s new prototype design incorporating elements that blend the classic Cincinnati chili parlor with the comfortable, contemporary feel of a casual dining restaurant. At 2,600 square feet, the restaurant provides seating for up to 70 guests and offers drive-through service. Delivery service will be offered through Uber Eats and DoorDash.
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4. The menu changes mark a new beginning AND a return to roots
Gold Star Chili founders’ first restaurant in Mount Washington was Hamburger Heaven, where they served burgers, fries and shakes along with Cincinnati-style chili, according to David.
“We’re tapping into that heritage to expand our menu and create a place for chili lovers to come with the whole family, even if somebody doesn’t want a 3-way that particular night,” he said.
5. The restaurant chain continues to grow
Gold Star Chili now has 80 locations in the Greater Cincinnati area, including 53 serving its original menu and 27 offering its “Chill & Grill” menu.
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