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DEW
HISTORY
Since 1909, The Dew Chilli Parlor has had a rich history-just like our Chilli! Our story is a love story, and one that is ever on-going. Below take a trip back in time and travel through the years to see how one man's dream and passion has turned into a National Treasure the Country has grown to love.
DEW Chilli Opens
March 26, 1909
The Dew Chilli Parlor opens for business in 1909 serving America's finest Tavern Style Chilli, located at 607 South 11th St. in Springfield, IL
Dew Chilli's new location
New DEW Opens in Post Office
1911
The Dew Chilli Parlor moves to a new location behind the downtown post office. Joe buys out his partner and closes the 11th Street location.
The interior of the original Dew Chilli Parlor
Second DEW Opens
March 26, 1929
Another Dew Chilli Parlor is opened at 720 S 5th Street and is called Dew Chilli Parlor No. 2
Dew Chilli Parlor No. 2 on 720 S. 5th St
A New Trusted Employee
1942
Rita Maurer starts working at Dew Chilli Parlor as a waitress, she will become Joes only trusted recipe holder of Dew Chilli secret recipe.
A young Rita Maurer
Eviction From Post Office Court
1948
Bocklemann's landlord wants to evict the Dew in order to redevelop the old Post Office Court property. Bocklemann works with his landlord to get a two year extension while he builds a restaurant on the front of his home to relocate the Dew No. 2.
DEW No. 2 Re-opens in the front of Bocklemann's House
July 2, 1949
Joe Bocklemann closes the 720 S 5th Street and moves the Dew Chilli Parlor No. 2 to 1216 S 5th Street, where he tore off the old porch and built a café on the front of his house.
The New Dew No.2 on 1216 S. 5th St
DEW Chilli No. 1 Closes
December 31, 1954
After 44 years the Post Office Court location (Dew Chilli No.1) is closed leaving only one Dew Chilli Parlor.
The last DEW open
Two-Ls-In-Chilli-Day
1974
Governor Daniel Walker issues a special proclamation to Joe Bockelmann mandating "Two-Ls-in-Chilli Day"
Pictured from left to right: Joe Bockelmann and Governor Daniel Walker. Photo Credit: Sangamon Valley Collection
RIP Joe Bocklemann
October 27, 1975
Joe Bockelmann passes away at the age of 89. He leaves the Dew Chilli Parlor to Rita Maurer Patton, who worked with him for 33 years.
The Future of DEW
1986
The Roberts Family enjoys Dew Chilli Parlor in 1986. Their son Mark will revive the Dew Chilli Parlor from its hiatus 2012.
Chilli Capital of the Civilized World
1993
Illinois State Senator Karen Hasara introduces a resolution that proclaims Illinois as the Chilli Capital of the Civilized World and recognizes the spelling as C-H-I-L-L-I.
A Temporary Hiatus
1995
The famous Dew closes its doors and serves the last bowl of chilli... for now.
Rita Maurer the last day at the parlor.
Renewing The DEW Chilli Parlor
Spring 2013
Mark Roberts III, longtime and childhood Dew patron, purchases the 1216 S. 5th building with the intention to revitalize the restaurant. Roberts also purchases the original Dew Chilli recipe from Dr. Joseph Maurer.
From left to right: Dr. Joseph Maurer, Sula Mae Roberts (longtime Dew patron), Mark Roberts III (owner), Mark Roberts Jr. (longtime Dew patron)
DEW on Wheels
September 2, 2013
Mark and Chandra Roberts reopens and serves Dew Chilli in the food truck. Then reopens the original parlor in April 2014. The beloved bright Orange Food Truck was put to rest in 2017.
Owners Mark and Chandra Roberts
DEW Chilli Opens in The Mall
November 10, 2014
The Dew Chilli Parlor No. 3 opens in Springfield's very own White Oaks Mall food court. In 2017 the Mall location closes and moves across the street from the mall to 2312 Wabash Ave.
Dew No.3 White Oaks Mall location
Start Over
August 28, 2017
John Leskovisek and Mike Monseur purchases the Dew Chilli Parlor from Mark Robert III. Immediate plans to enlarge the menu and open several new locations in Springfield.
DEW No. 3 Moves
November 2017
Dew Chilli Parlor No. 3 leaves White Oaks Mall and moves across the street to 2312 Wabash Ave.
New Location Opens
June 2018
John & Mike open a new location on Springfield's north end located at 301 N. Grand Avenue West.
DEW No. 2 Moves
October 2018
Dew Chilli Parlor No. 2 moves to Springfield's east side to make it easier than ever for Springfield to get great chili! Address at this location is 2690 S. Dirksen Parkway.
Retail Products
2020
Our famous Dew Chilli became available in a family-sized can along with our Dew Chilli Seasoning Blend! Purchase in-store or online today!
