Chili chain founder, 'Great-Grandpa Skyline,' has died

William Nicholas "Bill" Lambrinides, the last remaining founder of the Skyline Chili chain, died Tuesday, according to Meyer Funeral Home in Green Township. He was 87.

Mr. Lambrinides was 21 in 1949, when his family opened its first restaurant on Glenway Avenue in East Price Hill. His father, Nicholas Lambrinides, a former cook for railroad workers and native of Kastoria, Greece, used his culinary expertise to open the restaurant.

Bill, who was born in Cincinnati, had attended Western Hills and was a sergeant in the Army, went to work at the first Skyline along with three brothers, including his twin Christie, and another who joined the business later. He was a server at first, dishing up chili and delivering it to tables. "No one realizes how hard they worked at first," said his widow, Jackie Lambrinides, "It was 18-20 hours a day when they first started."

He was the people person and the cook among his family. Not only did he mix spices daily for the famous Greek-scented chili, he loved to cook at home. "He could taste anything and tell you what was in it," said his daughter Linda Steinriede. "Anything he made, people wanted the recipe for."

But the chili recipe was one he could never share.

When they left the company, Mr. Lambrinides and his brothers were the only people who knew the recipe for the chili, which was locked in a safe. The brothers, who then still took time at 11 a.m. each work day to taste the chili made at Skyline's Fairfield commissary, did not entertain or joke about the recipe in an interview on their retirements. " 'It's a secret. We cannot mention any names,' Bill says, unflinching," reported The Enquirer's Meghan (Henterly) Glynn back then.

Mr. Lambrinides was also responsible for developing the black beans and rice and the Greek salad for Skyline.

The brothers presided over the company as it expanded to other markets and states beyond the Cincinnati region.

"He always said you should never change the quality of your food," said his wife. "That's why they kept the same recipes, and kept the menu simple." Lambrinides was a humble and simple man, said his daughter. "He was very proud of Skyline, but he would never brag about it." He spent his years in retirement welcoming friends to a summer home in Michigan. "He loved to share what he had with other people," said his daughter.

Skyline Chili issued the following statement Thursday afternoon following Lambrinides' passing:

"Skyline is deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Lambrinides. Bill, along with his father and brothers, developed a strong Skyline tradition of serving delicious food wrapped in warm hospitality. We are proud to honor Bill’s vision and life’s work by striving to deliver Skyline Time to his high standards today and for many years to come."

Mr. Lambrinidies is survived by his wife, daughter Linda Steinriede, Debbie Meyer,and Sherry Tomlinson, all whom live in Cincinnati's west side, and Billy Lambrinides of Hollywood, California. He also leaves seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. ,

Mr. Lambrinides' funeral services are scheduled for next week. Mourners may call at a Sunday visitation from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Meyer Funeral Home, 5864 Bridgetown Road, Green Township.

A Christian burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 2832 Rosebud Drive in Westwood.

Memorials may be made to Parkinson's Wellness Foundation, 260 Stetson St., Suite 2300, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142. Memphis, Tennessee.

Enquirer archives contributed to this report.