If you think that the recipe for Chili John's chili that is tucked away in your recipe file is for real, you're wrong. The authentic recipe is still a secret. The formula is the creation of John Issac, a Lithuanian who came to the United States in 1879. John opened a restaurant in 1913 bearing a sign reading only "Chili". This restaurant was located at the foot of the Main St. bridge. Fans of his recipe soon began calling him "Chili John", and the name of the restaurant was born. Over the past 80 years, the recipe has never varied. Chili John's Restaurant features mild, medium, hot, or extra-hot chili. A bowl of chili includes portions of beans and/or spaghetti, and our spicy meat. Each bowl is prepared as you like it. Chili John's chili is popular year-round; four generations of customers will attest to that fact. Mrs. Spofford summed it up best, saying, "When you're hungry for chili, there's just no substitute for Chili John's."