Support your local Skyline this Christmas!

This is an encore blog for Skyline's Liberty Fairfield and Beckett Ridge in West Chester. I have heard through the grapevine that Skyline is launching a store wide contest (for employees) to sell the most gift certificates. The winner of this contest will be rewarded with a free throw shot during the Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout! How exciting is this? So go out and support your favorite Skyline this Christmas and buy a gift card. Every 5 buck helps! So let's help our friends who serve up Cincy's finest and go get some gift certificates! Go Beckett Ridge! ( they're my favorite!)

Both Liberty Fairfield and Beckett Ridge Skylines are located in the West Chester area. I have worked for both stores and knowing what I know about the owners and the way that they run their business, this is definitely the place to visit! Jeff and Bonnie Cornwell are no strangers to Cincinnati chili! The couple owns and devotes much of their time to these two stores. I worked for them for six years and had a lot of fun! They have an incredible amount of regulars who have been coming in for years! Also, many employees have been there for five years or longer. You know something is working if restaurant employees stay for that long! I had the pleasure of interviewing Jeff Cornwell of Skyline Chili. I have listed the addresses and information for both stores at the end of this post.

Jessica: How long have you worked for Skyline Chili? How did you work your way up?

Jeff: I have been with the company for 25 years. I started as a steam table worker at the Cincinnati-Dayton Rd Skyline at Lakota Plaza, next I became a district manager and onto franchise consultant. Then I bought the Beckett Ridge Skyline.

Jessica: What do you prepare when you approach the steam table to make your lunch?

Jeff: 3 ways and cheese coneys. I've never changed, it's been 25 years and I still eat the same thing.

Jessica: Do you cater or deliver?

Jeff: Yes, both, as much as possible. We can actually set up and cater functions. We have a portable steam table just like being in the restaurant. Both stores deliver for orders of $25 or more.

Jessica: What have been the most significant changes over the years?

Jeff: The addition of our non-chili items: burritos, wraps and salads.

Jessica: What about the Crosstown Shootout? What is all the fuss about?

Jeff: We have two great universities who square of annually and it creates very good sales for us, we get lots of publicity out of it. We sell Crosstown Shootout basketballs during this time and sometimes we even run out and have to order more!

Jessica: I heard you have had a celebrity frequent your establishment, is that true?

Jeff: Yes. Ken Griffey Jr. and Sr. used to live in Beckett Ridge and would drive his hummer through the drive-thru or come inside late when it was slower.

Jessica: Do you have a lot of regulars?

Jeff: We try to have the best service in Cincinnati. If you have the best service, people will come back. People don't have a lot of time so it is important to give them a good meal fast! Then they come back.

Jessica: What has been your greatest lesson while working in a Cincy chili parlor?

Jeff: Hard work pays off. If you work hard enough and long enough, eventually it pays off.

Jessica: How much was a cheese coney when you started in the business?

Jeff: 64 cents!!!

Jessica: Where did you go to school and grow up?

Jeff: Both my wife and I are from Lakota High School. My son, Thomas, also graduated there. My daughter, Kristine, is a student there now. We were both raised in West Chester and have been here all our lives. I am also very involved in the community. I love to coach basketball at the schools!

Jessica: Most Cincy chili parlors seem to be like a family. Does that describe your restaurants?

Jeff: Yes, we try to run it so everyone feels like family. Our children have even started to follow in our footsteps. We want to create a family atmosphere when people come in.

Jessica: What would you like people to know about you and your store?

Jeff: Again, service is the big thing and I hope people feel welcome when they come in. We hope they know that we want them to come in to our stores. My wife and I run them and we are there every day and we want people to enjoy their experiences.


So, next time you are in West Chester, stop by one of the Cornwell's two locations.

Regulars, Chris Holt, Dan Riedmatter and Mike Scherer of Cintas enjoying their lunch at Skyline Beckett Ridge



Skyline Beckett Ridge
8386 Princeton-Glendale Rd
West Chester, OH
45069
Phone: 513-874-4211


Skyline Liberty Fairfield
5488 Liberty Square Drive
Liberty Twp, OH
45011
Phone: 513-895-3929