- 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.
Schabell said when he was elected mayor eight years ago and had to be sworn in, he and the city’s clerk at the time went and had lunch at Empress Chili, and he was sworn in right there in the booth at the chili parlor.
The city’s proclamation, read on Thursday, said that in 1985, Martin opened Empress Chili at the age of 23. The first location was an old Savings and Loan in the shopping center located at 8244 Alexandria Pike. In 1991, Martin and his father, Clarence Martin, built the current location at 7934 Alexandria Pike.
Martin thanked the city for the honor and said it really extends to his whole family, who have all helped out in the chili parlor.
“I’ve had 29 nieces and nephews, and we’ve had brothers and sisters all work there,” Martin said. “When I first opened, dad worked his drug store and would come out and help me close. He put in overtime all the time.”
Thursday’s proclamation was a surprise for Martin on behalf of the city.
“You guys are around 40 years because your food is great, you serve more than just chili, great sandwiches and friendly service, and it’s a good price,” said Alexandria Councilmember Tom Baldridge. “Thanks for being around. I love it.”
Martin said that at this time, around 400 employees have worked at Empress Chili and thanked the city for being a great community to work in.
