(This story has been updated with new information.)
Sam Beltsos, the founder of Cincinnati’s renowned Price Hill Chili, died Sunday, June 1, his family confirmed to The Enquirer.
Beltsos died at the age of 88 after battling Alzheimer’s over the past few years, his son Steve Beltsos said.
Beltsos founded Price Hill Chili in September of 1962 after running the lunch counter then at Walgreens. He followed in the steps of many Greek immigrants across Cincinnati who shared their dinner table recipes with the community.
Running and growing the business over the years was one of his first priorities, his son Steve said, and Sam was a “hard-working, people-person.”
When he wasn’t at the restaurant, which wasn’t often, he liked to golf, Steve said.
February 6, 2012: Exterior view of Price Hill Chili.
Many notable guests have stopped in over the years, from then-political candidates like Mike Pence to current politicians like Vice President Dick Cheney. Those experiences were incredible and unique for Sam and the whole family, Steve said.
Now Steve, 63, and his son are carrying on the torch of the family-run business for years to come.
“We’ve just got to keep rolling. It’s onto the next generation,” Steve said.
Sam Beltsos is survived by his wife, Ezmine, sons Steve and Paul Beltsos, and several other family members.
Funeral arrangements will be announced soon, Steve Beltsos said.
One of Beltsos’ sons, Chris Beltsos, died in 2016 at the age of 47.
Price Hill Chili was established in 1962 in the Cincinnati neighborhood of West Price Hill at 4920 Glenway Ave. Over the decades, it became one of the most popular chili parlors not only on the West Side, but in all of Greater Cincinnati.
Along with their famous chili dishes, the restaurant also serves classic American diner foods, including breakfast omelettes, sandwiches, pastas and steaks.
More: Trump VP choice Pence digs into Price Hill Chili
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Owner of Price Hill Chili Sam Beltsos dies at 88