Midwest Restaurants Preserve Chili, Sandwich Traditions

Chili traditions across the country range from Nashville’s Italian-American legacy—anchored for generations by Varallo’s, which closed in February 2026—to modern community competitions and everyday comfort food. New Buffalo’s 20th annual Skip’s Chili Cook-Off brought together 11 past champions, with chef Phil Siciliano taking the judges’ top prize and Alyssa Brake winning the People’s Choice award. In Indianapolis, The Workingman’s Friend draws regulars to its short-hours lunch counter for chili alongside burgers and grilled cheese. For home cooks, a family-style beef chili recipe offers a make-ahead option, simmered for hours and suited to freezing or serving a crowd.