100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS
"Taste Kentucky’s Legendary Chili – Order Brooking’s Chili Mix Today!"
"The Original, Time-Tested Recipe Loved for Generations – Easy to Make, Impossible to Resist!"
Brooking’s Chili Mix: A Taste of Kentucky’s Legendary Flavor
For decades, Brooking’s Chili has been a household name in Kentucky, cherished for its rich, comforting flavor and a heritage that ties back to the heart of the Bluegrass. From its humble beginnings in a Lexington restaurant to the shelves of your kitchen, Brooking’s Chili Mix has preserved a tradition that blends history, community, and the unmistakable taste of Kentucky.
The Story Behind the Legend
Brooking’s Chili first found its roots in a small Lexington restaurant that opened in 1936. Over the years, it didn’t just serve food; it served memories. Among its most famous fans was University of Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp, who dined there regularly. Known for his pursuit of excellence both on and off the court, Coach Rupp proclaimed Brooking’s Chili to be “The Best Chili in the Bluegrass.” For two decades, he frequented the restaurant, where a special booth was reserved just for him—a detail that speaks to the level of admiration he had for this unique recipe.
When the restaurant closed its doors in 1991, the recipe lived on. John Dance, who knew the importance of this chili to Kentucky locals, acquired the recipe and began packaging it for retail, making it possible for families across the state and country to enjoy Brooking’s at home.
How Brooking’s Chili Came to Southland Bowling Lanes
In 2020, a new chapter began. Danny Collins, owner of Southland Bowling Lanes, knew the strong, loyal following Brooking’s Chili still had. After all, it had become an irreplaceable part of Kentucky’s culinary identity. Recognizing the opportunity to bring this legendary flavor to more people, he reached out to John Dance, who agreed to transfer the recipe and production to Southland Bowling Lanes. Now, Brooking’s Chili is served in-house, allowing patrons to experience the iconic taste in a vibrant, family-friendly setting.
How to Enjoy Brooking’s Chili at Home
The Brooking’s Chili Mix brings the full experience of this iconic recipe to your kitchen. Each package contains the exact spice blend needed to recreate the original flavor, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can serve a bowl that tastes just like it did decades ago.
The instructions couldn’t be easier:
Gather Ingredients: Get ground chuck, finely processed sweet onion, tomato puree, and kidney beans.
Cook the Chili: Follow the package directions to ensure the perfect flavor and consistency.
Serve & Savor: Enjoy three pots of Brooking’s Chili with family and friends, each packed with Kentucky history in every spoonful.
Brooking’s Chili Mix is also perfect for tailgate parties, family dinners, and any gathering where comfort food is a must. With each bowl, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re celebrating a tradition.
Why Choose Brooking’s Chili Mix?
Brooking’s Chili Mix stands out for its authenticity and flavor, capturing the taste that generations of Kentuckians have loved. It’s not only delicious but also a piece of history that brings people together over a shared appreciation of local tradition. With its roots in Kentucky’s basketball culture and community spirit, this chili is more than a dish—it’s an experience.
The Backstory
"From a Small Lexington Restaurant to a Kentucky Legend – The Story of Brooking’s Chili"
Brooking’s Chili began in 1936 as a small Lexington restaurant serving a chili recipe that became a Kentucky legend. Among its biggest fans was UK basketball coach Adolph Rupp, who dined there for 20 years, calling it “The Best Chili in the Bluegrass.” As Kentucky basketball thrived, so did the chili’s reputation, becoming a must-have for locals and fans alike.
When the restaurant closed in 1991, John Dance kept the tradition alive by packaging Brooking’s Chili Mix for retail. In 2020, Danny Collins brought it back to the public, serving it at Southland Bowling Lanes and expanding online and retail sales. Today, Brooking’s Chili Mix continues to deliver the same legendary, championship-worthy flavor enjoyed for generations.
Brooking’s Restaurant, located at 504 E. Euclid Ave. near Woodland Avenue, was a beloved Lexington dining spot near the University of Kentucky’s campus. Founded by G.E. “Ed” Brooking in 1938, the restaurant gained widespread fame for its chili, which was first introduced in 1945. Among its most loyal patrons was legendary Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp, who frequently dined there and praised it as the best chili in Lexington. After Ed Brooking’s passing in 1982, his son Harold continued the family tradition, serving generations of customers until the restaurant closed its doors on June 1, 1991.
On August 31, 1979, the day before his 90th birthday, Edward Brooking was pictured stirring a pot of his renowned chili at Brooking’s Restaurant in Lexington. At the time, he described his well-loved diner and its signature chili as a place for the “working man,” reflecting its welcoming atmosphere and strong community ties.
Harold Brooking, son of Edward Brooking, is recognized for creating the signature chili recipe that turned Brooking’s Restaurant into a favorite dining spot near the University of Kentucky campus. The restaurant became a go-to destination for students and Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp, who dined there multiple times a week, cementing its reputation as a local legend.
Adolph Rupp, one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history, led the University of Kentucky Wildcats from 1930 to 1972, amassing an incredible 876 wins, four NCAA championships (1948, 1949, 1951, 1958), and a .822 winning percentage—one of the highest ever. Known for his demanding coaching style, fast-paced offense, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Rupp built Kentucky into a basketball powerhouse, earning the nickname “The Baron of the Bluegrass.” His legacy remains woven into the fabric of college basketball and Kentucky sports history.
A booth inside Brooking’s Restaurant on June 1, 1991, the final day the establishment served its beloved chili.
Our Mission
"Experience the Tradition. Taste the Legacy. Order Your Brooking’s Chili Mix Today!"
At Brooking’s Chili, our mission is to preserve and share the legendary flavor of Kentucky’s most iconic chili. Rooted in tradition and crafted with quality, we are committed to delivering the authentic, time-honored recipe that has been loved for generations. Whether enjoyed at home, at a tailgate, or with family and friends, our chili brings people together over a bowl of rich, hearty flavor that stands the test of time.
We take pride in keeping this Kentucky tradition alive, ensuring that every pack of Brooking’s Chili Mix delivers the same unmatched taste and quality that made it famous. Through our dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction, we invite chili lovers everywhere to experience the "best chili in the Bluegrass"—one bowl at a time.
- Authentic Kentucky Flavor – Enjoy the legendary chili recipe loved by generations, including Coach Adolph Rupp.
- Easy to Make, Impossible to Resist – Just add a few simple ingredients and follow the included instructions for the perfect bowl every time.
- Order Now & Taste the Tradition – Get Brooking’s Chili Mix delivered straight to your door and bring home a true Bluegrass classic!
Al McGuire 1985 NCAA Final Four Broadcast inside
Brooking's Chili Restaurant Video Clip...
Al McGuire was a Hall of Fame basketball coach and legendary sports commentator known for his colorful personality and insightful analysis. He led Marquette University to an NCAA championship in 1977 before transitioning to a successful career as a broadcaster for NBC and CBS. In 1985, McGuire brought his NCAA Final Four Show to Brooking’s Restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky, recognizing it as a local landmark known for its legendary chili and deep connection to Kentucky basketball history. Filming inside the restaurant added an authentic touch to the broadcast, capturing the essence of Bluegrass basketball culture while highlighting the famous chili that had become a favorite of fans and coaches alike.
Now, you don’t have to visit an old Lexington landmark to experience the legendary taste of Brooking’s Chili—you can enjoy it right at home! Brooking’s Chili Mix brings the same rich, authentic flavor that made the restaurant famous, allowing you to recreate this Kentucky tradition with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you're hosting a game-day party, a tailgate, or a cozy family dinner, this chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s available exclusively online, so you can order today and have it delivered straight to your door. Don’t miss out on this piece of Kentucky history—order your Brooking’s Chili Mix now!
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