Our History
It was at the 1904 World’s Fair – St. Louis where many enthusiasts set up venues to introduce their products to fair-goers. The Edmond’s Chile Company is no different! From there, business relationships were formed that impacted eating establishments for generations to come. Our great-grandfather, Fritz Adelman, believed that “our family” recipes for chili and tamales had to be shared with the great people of this city.
He began in a restaurant called Mexican Inn that then became solely a
tamale manufacturer. Determined, he forged relationships with others
of like-mind: a gentleman named Edmond Williams and the classic Otis
T. Hodge. Over the next several decades our famous Chili and Hot
Tamales were manufactured and delivered to St. Louis area Diners,
Dime-Stores, Sandwich Shops, Hot Dog Stands, Corner-Street Tamale
Carts, Ice Cream Parlors, just to name a few.
People love to tell their stories about what these places meant to them. They always seem to ring nostalgic in the best way. You can still find our chili and tamales at other favorites, like the iconic Crown Candy, Courtesy Diners, Carl’s Diner, Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, the Buttery, Joyce’s Corner and many others.
Continued...
To the many St. Louisians that have faithfully worked hard to keep our company going, we are so greatful to you. One customer, Linda S., wrote in about a member of her family, Andy, who was a dedicated employee for over 40 years. She writes,"Andy did whatever was needed at his job. He was a delivery driver… but he also prepped the beef, mixed it, cooked it, cut, wrapped and taped the final product into 6-pounds of a concentrated chili "brick". They are still called “chili bricks” to this day!
From the moment our doors were opened to the public, we have set out to bring history and flavor to every table where they are placed. A quality unmatched since its inception. As we grow and evolve, we remain deeply rooted in the values that have guided us from the beginning. So, whether you are hosting the “big game” or enjoying our products at your favorite restaurants around town, come taste why Edmond's Chile has been a St. Louis tradition for so long!
Awarded the Neighborhood
Business of the Year!
