Dixon’s Famous Chili Celebrates A Century Of Beans, Meat And Loyal Customers Independence Eatery Draws Customers From Across Kansas City Metro

Vergne Dixon started selling chili out of a cart – precursor to the modern food truck – before opening his first permanent location at 15^th 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.