The staff at Skycap News is sad to report that the last founding father of Skyline Chili has passed away. William Nicholas “Bill” Lambrinides died Tuesday. Mr. Lambrinides brothers (also part of the famed Cincinnati Style Chili restaurant), Jim, Lambert, twin brothers John and Christie, preceded him in death.
Nicholas Lambrinides The Owner Of Skyline Chili
William Lambrinides and his siblings worked alongside their dad starting in 1949. That was when Nicolas Lambrinides, started his family business and opened the very first Skyline Chili in the Cincinnati neighborhood known as Price Hill.
According to their website, it was Greek immigrant Nicolas Lambridines, whose view from this area gave him the idea to name his chili parlor Skyline. In addition to incorporating the Cincinnati skyline, his vision for combining chili, spaghetti, beans, cheese, and onion became a true regional success story. For those in the know, ordering 3-Way, 4-Way, at Skyline (or their competitors) is nearly a second language in the area.
Original Skyline Chili Location
The first Skyline Chili was opened in 1949 by Alex Schoenbaum, along with his brother-in-law, Nicholas Lambrinides, and their wives, Helen and Christina. Original skyline chili location is at 3126 Vine Street in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Hostory Of Skyline Chili
During his lifetime, William saw Skyline grow into the most successful chain of eateries to serve Cincinnati’s distinctive Greek-style chili. Skyline now has more than 110 locations in four states. As stated by the Meyer Funeral home obituary, William Lambrinides served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army in addition to beginning Skyline with his family members. A Skyline business official said the Lambrinides family had not been the majority owners of the business for a number of years.
Delta Air Lines has had a major (albeit, dwindling) presence in Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport for quite some time and our staff always enjoyed stopping at Skyline and their main competitor Gold Star Chili during visits to the “Queen City.” For those of you who haven’t tried this truly regional and unique Cincinnati style product, Skyline is a truly “must stop” whenever in the area. Our sincere condolences to the Lambrinides family and Skyline Chili lovers everywhere!
FAQs
Who owns Skyline Chili?
Skyline Chili is a chain of fast casual restaurants based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The chain specializes in serving Cincinnati-style chili, spaghetti, and hot dogs. It was founded in 1949 by Nicholas Lambrinides, who came from the Greek island of Lemnos. The chain’s current owner is Jeffrey Lambrinides.
Where was the first Skyline Chili?
The first Skyline Chili was opened in 1949 by Alex Schoenbaum, along with his brother-in-law, Nicholas Lambrinides, and their wives, Helen and Christina at 3126 Vine Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. The first Skyline Chili location still stands in the same spot today, proudly standing on its original concrete foundation, and is a designated historical landmark in the city of Cincinnati.
