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OMG, Tommy’s burger to launch ‘chili to-go’ this week
October 14th, 2008, 1:00 am · 16 Comments · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
Chili-to-go containers
Scrappy Los Angeles burger chain Original Tommy’s is finally doing what it should have done years ago: offering its famous chili as an official side dish.
For years, getting a “side” of chili has always been an “off-menu” service.
“We used to serve it in Styrofoam coffee cups,” said chain executive Robert Castaneda.
And it only came in two sizes: 8 ounces & 16 ounces.
Starting Friday, all eateries are expected to debut three “chili to-go” sizes, including a 32-ounce container.
“I expect this to be a winner,” Castaneda said.
Sizes & prices: 8 oz. for $1.75; 12 oz. for $2.75; and 32 oz. for $6.50 $7. (updated June ‘09 to reflect price change).
The menu addition is rare for Tommy’s.
Tommy's is known for its chili
Since it was founded 62 years ago in Los Angeles, its menu has remained largely unchanged. In the spring, Tommy’s added a breakfast burrito — the first new item on the menu since French fries were added nearly 20 years ago, said Castaneda.
So are more menu changes on tap for Tommy’s?
Maybe.
Castaneda said he’s testing new food items, including the possible debut of a tamale platter for the holidays.
We’ll stay tuned for that.
(Note: Tommy’s has always offered chili by the gallon. Catering information can be found on the chain’s corporate web site.)
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16 Comments
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Speaking of off menu. You can, and always have been able to, order a gallon of Chili to go. All you have to do is ask, and pay $20.
Their food is beyond gross -may as well stay home and eat at home. Blech.
CAN YOU SAY HEART ATTACK!!!!!
15 years of vegetarianism and the only thing I miss is a double cheese and a root beer at Tommy’s
Tommys is great….a real authentic chili burger in all its unhealthy artery clogging splendor. My wife said it best “Its not really chili as much as its chili whip.”
I don’t know, dude. It just isn’t the same when you can’t light up a doobie, get wasted, and go for a 40-mile midnight munchie run to Tommy’s and eat too much way too fast messy really-bad-for-you sloppy chili burger dripping all over and laughing at each other ’cause you got chili ALL over your face hey I could really go for some brownies and tortilla chips and salsa man I really gotta get laid….
Tommy’s is delicious.
Unhealthy….yeah.
But thats besides the point. The best burger in So Cal, hands down.
Does it come with some pepto on the side.
Rex Lard in a box is comparable.
We live in Las Vegas. Before the Henderson location opened last year, we would buy a gallon of chili at the Tommy’s in Barstow, when we would return from So Cal trips. It was always sold in a pickle jar or pepper jar. We would buy it through the drive-through. And yes, it freezes well!
blech… Tommy’s chili is disgusting. It looks and taste like something out of the sewer.
You said it. I used to know someone who would have eaten there everyday if he could. He had his first chest pains at 19…
Tommy’s ran out of chili today. The employees were constipated.
I have been driving by the Tommys on Boulder Hiway in Las Vegas for some time and my wife and I are wanting to try your food after reading about it on the internet about Tommys. One of the comments about Tommys was that they catered to senior citzens. Question do you have senior citzens discount and our your prices about the same as In and Out or MacDonalds.
Hello, I’m glad to see the chili in a bowl to go @ Tommys! Congradulations
Also I recently purchased a 4 pack of Chili from Tommy Koulax himself! It’s The owners son! He said it had an “old school” Taste! and it did!
It was great it had a lot of meat and actually had a better taste than the restaurants.
I recommend everyone to try it! They had a taste testing in LA back in Sept. I bought the 4 pack. Please put it in the stores!
I ordered it on there web site. http://www.tommyschilifactory.com
Hello, I was doing a Google search and came across this page about Tommy’s in LA. I lived there for years and miss Tommy’s and need a taste of the chili again!!
I seen Paul’s response and will be ordering my chili now! This is so good Tommy, I never even know there was a Tommy!
Thanks again Paul for your response! I love the site Tommy! Well I’m going to click the brick see ya! Ill be back next week with my results!
Dave