Chili John’s, a beloved historic restaurant on W. Burbank Blvd, is at risk of closing due to a dramatic drop in business. Serving generations of families since 1946, the restaurant holds the title of Burbank’s oldest dining establishment and has even appeared in movies and TV shows.
The pandemic dealt a severe blow to the business, with sales plummeting to just 10% of pre-COVID levels. Owner Steve Hager expressed his concern, saying, “We’re not even making enough to pay our staff, our taxes, or our mortgage. We’re going to be gone quick.”…