- Empress Chili is celebrating 40 years in business. The chili parlor opened in 1985.
- The Alexandria City Council recognized Sept. 23, 2025, as “Empress Chili Day” in the city.
From first jobs to late-night chili stops, Empress Chili has shaped Alexandria residents for four decades.
The Alexandria institution will serve its Cincinnati-style chili for 40 years on Sept. 23. In honor of that milestone, the Alexandria City Council recognized Steve Martin, the owner of Empress Chili, for his 40 years in business and recognized Sept. 23 as “Empress Chili Day” in the city at its Sept. 18 meeting.
“Empress Chili has been around for 40 years, and that’s what we’re here to celebrate,” Alexandria Mayor Andy Schabell said. “It’s been a big part of everybody’s life. A lot of kids grow up and work there as their first job. They learn what hard work is, what it is to be on time, how to treat the customer, and it’s been a big part of my life, too.”
Alexandria Councilmember Patrick Blair said his daughter was working her shift at Empress Chili as they spoke…