Oldest KC family restaurant continues 'Famous' tradition

Dixon's "Famous" Chili has been serving up chili with a smile since 1919 when Vergne Dixon took his unique style of chili and opened the first Dixon's Chili Parlor at 15th and Olive in downtown Kansas City. Vergne kept the focus on fast service and high quality food. In fact, Vergne was so proud of his chili recipe that ketchup was banned from the restaurant, along with telephones, newspapers, and cigarettes. Vergne felt that people should be allowed to enjoy their chili without interruption.

That high quality of chili and service drew President Truman into Dixon's, before and during his Presidency. It was in 1952 that President Truman, along with several Secret Service agents, visited Dixon's, putting it in the national spotlight as Life Magazine published a spread on the occasion. It was after this visit by President Truman and Life Magazine, that Dixon's Chili Parlor changed its name to Dixon's "Famous" Chili. In addition, it was the chili and tamale spread that kept President Truman coming back to Dixon's now "Famous" chili the rest of his life.

In the 1960s Dixon's "Famous" Chili opened its doors at their current 40 Highway location, and today it is still a thriving landmark in the community. In addition to the Independence location, Dixon's opened their newest restaurant on 291 Highway in Lee's Summit in 2003. The Lee's Summit location boasts a banquet room that is available for parties of up to 35.

Today, Dixon's is still the place to go for good family-friendly atmosphere, fast service, and the best chili around. At Dixon's you can get chili just about anyway you like it; dry (no broth), soupy (broth off beans), or greasy chili (natural juices from the meat), all-meat or with beans, served over spaghetti, or with tamales the way Truman preferred his. Chili garnishes include ketchup, grated cheese, chili powder, sour cream, onions, pickles, mustard, and vinegar, but be warned you will be fined 10 cents for ketchup, keeping Vergne's "no ketchup" tradition alive.

Dixon's offers All You Can Eat Tacos for $5.99 every day, and every Wednesdays Kids Eat Free [hotdogs, tacos, chili, or chicken tenders served with fries and a drink].

Currently, Dixon's is owned and operated by Terri Totta-Smith the great niece of Vergne Dixon and the fourth generation of her family to run Dixon's. Together with the help of her daughter Julie and her son Stephen, Terri will continue her uncle's traditions of good food and good service as Dixon's "Famous" Chili turns 88 this year.

Dixon's is open seven days a week, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sundays. For carryout, catering, or questions call (816) 554-0019.