Petro's Chili & Chips is a small fast-food chain based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with several locations in Knoxville and other parts of East Tennessee.
History Petro's got its start at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville. Joe and Carol Schoentrup of Spokane, Washington, along with Joe's sister Ann and her husband Mark Lawrence of Kennewick, Washington operated a food concession at the fair that served a combination of chili and corn chips that they dubbed the "Petro", a name derived from "petroleum" to honor the energy theme of the 1982 World's Fair.Mary Constantine, In '82, the world's culinary creations were put in Knoxvillians' hands, Knoxville News Sentinel, May 2, 2007Chili and chips prove to be hot item for Spokane couple at world's fairs, Spokane Spokesman-Review, January 23, 1986 The concept was based on a snack item that had been sold at high school sports events in Omak, Washington, wherein chili and onions were poured into open bags of Fritos, to be eaten out of the bag. In the southwestern United States, similar snacks were known as "Frito pies" or "chili pies." For the World's Fair, the Schoentrups said they "gourmetized" this combination by adding cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, and hot sauce.Frito dish big at World's Fair, article by the Washington Post, published in Eugene Register-Guard, June 1, 1982 The product was very popular, selling 175,000 units over the six months of the Knoxville fair.
The Schoentrups also sold their product at the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans. After the two world's fairs, the Schoentrups explored franchising their concept, and eventually sold the Petro's trademark and concept to brothers Dale and Keith Widmer. They established Petro's Chili & Chips outlets in food courts in shopping malls, starting with a location in Knoxville's West Town Mall.The History of Petro's, Petro's website, accessed April 1, 2016Area Briefs, The Oak Ridger, September 14, 1998 Franchising was added in 1992.
Products Petro's primary product consists of corn chips topped with either meat-based or vegetarian chili, cheese, green onions, tomatoes, and sour cream, all served in a cup. Black olives, salsa, and Jalapeños are optional toppings.What's a Petro?, Petro's website, accessed January 18, 2014 The menu also includes Premium Petro Toppings like BBQ pulled pork, grilled chicken, queso and zesty guacamole, as well as all-beef hot dogs, salads, giant baked potatoes, and fresh-baked cookies. Hint-of-Orange Iced tea served with an orange slice is Petro's signature beverage.Menu, Petro's website, accessed January 18, 2014
References
External links Petro's homepage Barry Popik, Walking Taco (Taco-in-a-Bag; Petro’s), The Big Apple, November 28, 2007