The namesake of a former downtown Covington staple has died.
Bronko Keitofski – longtime operator of Bronko’s Chili at 4 West Pike Street – died Wednesday at age 78.
The building that once housed his chili parlor is currently under renovation after it was purchased by Pike Street Ventures, an LLC associated with Tony Kreutzjans and his Orleans Development.
Bronko’s has been closed for many years, but Keitofski retained ownership of the building, and was often still spotted in the neighborhood, visiting at Old Town Cafe just a day before his death.
“He always worried about the government, that the government was going to cheat him,” laughed Frank Bonfilio, owner of Old Town. “You can’t trust them, he’d say.”
Bronko immigrated to the U.S. from Macedonia and though he was an electrician in his native country, his credentials were not recognized in America. Instead of seeking the proper certification, Keitofski started working in the food industry, first as a dishwasher at Empress Chili and then at Liberty Chili.
In 1968, he opened Bronko’s.
“He was a hard worker all his life,” Bonfilio said. Even after his business closed and after his wife, Leah, died in 2013, Bronko could still be spotted inside the old parlor. “I’d go by there in the afternoon and stop in and you could see him at his counter, just sitting there reading the newspaper, and all he’d talk about was his homeland. And how he didn’t really like Italians but he liked me.”
A visitation for Keitfoski is set for Wednesday, August 20 at Floral Hills Cemetery (5336 Old Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill) at 1 p.m. with burial to follow.
He is survived by his children, Marie, Bronko, Chris, and Dena Keitofski, a granddaughter, Cheyenne, a brother, Blaze Keitofski, a niece, Vase Keitofski.
The family has suggested that memorials be made to St. Ilija Macedonian Orthodox Church (8465 Wuest Rd., Cincinnati, Oh., 45247).
Meanwhile, work continues on the former Bronko’s building. Orleans Development told The River City News Tuesday that the 1800-sq. ft. building would lease for $1,800, and that no business is currently signed on to occupy the space.
Written by Michael Monks, editor & publisher
