04/29/2026
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A Fort Smith Favorite: Famous Chili Company Still Cooking Up the Heat After 90 Years
In the heart of Fort Smith, Arkansas, a little spice, a lot of flavor, and a whole heap of family tradition come together in one unforgettable recipe. For more than 90 years, the Famous Chili Company has been serving up its beloved 4 Star Chili -- a product that has become a staple in local homes, restaurants, and grocery stores throughout the region.
It all began in 1929, when Mama Joe and Papa Joe Korkames settled in Fort Smith after arriving in America. That same year, they opened a cozy little eatery on Garrison Avenue they called The Famous Café. A hit with the local high school crowd, the café quickly earned a reputation -- and not just for being a good hangout spot. Students would tell their friends, “The Famous Café is famous for its chili,” and they weren’t wrong.
Papa Joe’s chili became so popular, he began packaging it in one-pound hand-wrapped bricks to sell out of the café. Demand surged, and by 1935, the Korkames family launched the Famous Chili Company, dedicated to bringing their homemade chili to a wider audience.
After Papa Joe’s passing, his son Joseph Edward Korkames modernized the Fort Smith facility and introduced boil-in bags -- allowing chili lovers to enjoy the same robust flavor at home with even more convenience. Along the way, the family introduced the 4 Star Chili brand, known for its finer grind of beef and bolder spices. It’s especially popular as a topping for hot dogs, fries, burgers, and even corn chips.
Still owned and operated by the Korkames family today -- now in its third generation — the Famous Chili Company continues to stay true to its roots. Every batch of chili is made using the same time-tested recipe Mama Joe and Papa Joe crafted nearly a century ago.
What sets Famous Chili apart? For starters, it’s all-natural -- free of preservatives, MSG, and trans fats. From their Famous Premium HomeStyle Beef Chili to the classic 4 Star Premium Beef Chili, every product is crafted with high-quality ingredients and rich, savory spices. Their packaging ensures freshness and easy preparation, whether you're a home cook or running a busy kitchen.
Beyond retail sales, Famous Chili Company also supplies restaurants and institutions with bulk chili in convenient 5-pound tubs and 3-pound boilable pouches. Popular items include Famous Brand Hot Dog Chili Sauce and Famous Brand Taco Filling, which is perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more.
You can find their chili products in the refrigerated section of grocery stores across Arkansas and several states. But if you want to shop local, head down to their storefront at 925 Garrison Ave in downtown Fort Smith, where you can pick up 4 Star Premium Beef Chili for just $4.99 and Famous Taco Filling (a hefty 3 lbs!) for $14.99.
Whether it’s game day, a busy weeknight, or a good old-fashioned chili cook-off, the Famous Chili Company is ready to serve. And after touring their Fort Smith facility and getting a taste of their hospitality (and chili!), one thing is clear: this local legend is still going strong — one bowl at a time.
Learn more or give them a shout at Famous Chili Company or visit their production facility at:
Famous Chili Company
1421 North 7th Street
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
Support local flavor. Grab a bag, heat it up, and taste a Fort Smith tradition that's been spicing up lives since 1935.
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1-888-FUN-AR-01
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