In honor of National Chili Day on February 22, Wienerschnitzel named the Top 10 Chili Cities in the United States. Residents in these markets eat more chili per person than residents of other cities, have access to more restaurants known for their chili, and are more likely to enter or attend a chili cook-off. These residents also more fully embrace their cities’ chili culture or openly demonstrate their love for the famous dish.
Doug Koegeboehn, chief marketing officer for Wienerschnitzel, says the list of Top 10 Chili Cities includes not only expected chili capitals in the Southwest but other markets like Los Angeles, Chicago, Cincinnati, and Springfield, Missouri, known more for seafood, Midwest comfort food, or ethnic dishes than the American classic dish.
The survey ranked Los Angeles atop the list, followed by Dallas; Phoenix; Houston, Texas; San Francisco/Oakland; Chicago; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Springfield, Missouri; Cincinnati; and San Antonio, which is credited with first popularizing chili in the 1890s, rounded out the top 10.
“Despite being the official dish of Texas, chili has grown to become America’s dish,” Koegeboehn says. “At Wienerschnitzel, we’ve known that for years. In fact, we’d like to think that there are really only two types of people in the world: chili lovers and those who still haven’t tasted really great chili yet.”
Wienerschnitzel combined its own and third-party chili consumption data with local restaurant and chili cook-off trend information and other quantitative and qualitative research to develop the ranking. In addition to its namesake Chili Dog, the Irvine, California–based chain specializes in Chili Cheeseburgers, Chili Cheese Fries, and 10 other menu offerings made with its secret-recipe chili at 333 restaurants in 11 states.
Wienerschnitzel is celebrating National Chili Day February 22 with its Chili Lovers Combo, featuring a Chili Cheese Dog, Chili Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Fries, and a small drink, available at a discounted price. Chili fans can also get 5 Chili Dogs for $5.95 any day of the year.
