Iconic Cincinnati brand remains a privately held, Cincinnati-based entity
CINCINNATI – Kevin R. McDonnell, President and CEO of Skyline Chili, announced today that the Company has completed a purchase agreement with Cincinnati business leader Thomas L. Williams, President and CEO of North American Properties. The transaction assures that this iconic Cincinnati brand will remain privately held by local ownership with deep Cincinnati roots, while simultaneously positioning itself for continued success and growth.
The transaction leaves The Williams Family (along with internal business partners and associates), Mr. McDonnell and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) as the sole owners of Skyline. GCF became a partial owner of Skyline in 2019 through a donation of ownership shares, valued at $8 million, from Mr. McDonnell and his wife Erica to establish the Skyline Chili Community Fund.
Mr. McDonnell will continue as Skyline’s President and CEO. He said, “It is very important to me that Skyline carry on just like it always has. Many restaurant brands have been acquired by private equity investors, who often have very short-term investment strategies and no personal connection to the brand they are acquiring. In our case, it was critical to find a buyer who has demonstrated a commitment to the local community as well as a long-term investment horizon. Tom really understands and loves Skyline and our importance to the community.”
Skyline Chili was founded over 70 years ago in Cincinnati by Nicholas Lambrinides and his family. The Lambrinides and other long-term franchisee families have nurtured and grown Skyline Chili into a unique culinary signature of the Cincinnati community. Today Skyline has 136 restaurants located in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Florida. The newest Skyline restaurant opened last month in Nicholasville, Kentucky near Lexington. Another opening will occur in Xenia, Ohio in January 2021.
Mr. Williams is a lifelong Cincinnati resident where he and his family have made it a priority to support and grow the community. Besides building his real estate development business, Mr. Williams is Vice Chairman and one of the principal owners of the Cincinnati Reds. He serves on numerous local boards including The Western & Southern Financial Group, Nehemiah Manufacturing, Eleeo Brands, Cincinnati Business Committee (CBC), Cincinnati Center City Development Company (3CDC) and JobsOhio.
“I have long enjoyed and admired Skyline Chili and what it represents,” Mr. Williams said. “I am truly appreciative of this opportunity and I look forward to working with Kevin and his team to continue growing this wonderful brand and providing stewardship for one of our community’s most valued assets. Our family is extremely proud to make this acquisition as it keeps in line with our thesis of investing in strong local brands that also have a civic responsibility. In this transaction, we have included some of our current local partners that share these values.”
Both Mr. McDonnell and Mr. Williams noted they are thoroughly committed to ensuring future generations of customers can look forward to enjoying Skyline Chili’s unique and delicious Coneys, 3-Ways and genuine hospitality.
Skyline Chili Completes Purchase Agreement with
Tom Williams
Iconic Cincinnati brand remains a privately held, Cincinnati-based entity
CINCINNATI – Kevin R. McDonnell, President and CEO of Skyline Chili, announced today that the Company has completed a purchase agreement with Cincinnati business leader Thomas L. Williams, President and CEO of North American Properties. The transaction assures that this iconic Cincinnati brand will remain privately held by local ownership with deep Cincinnati roots, while simultaneously positioning itself for continued success and growth.
The transaction leaves The Williams Family (along with internal business partners and associates), Mr. McDonnell and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) as the sole owners of Skyline. GCF became a partial owner of Skyline in 2019 through a donation of ownership shares, valued at $8 million, from Mr. McDonnell and his wife Erica to establish the Skyline Chili Community Fund.
Mr. McDonnell will continue as Skyline’s President and CEO. He said, “It is very important to me that Skyline carry on just like it always has. Many restaurant brands have been acquired by private equity investors, who often have very short-term investment strategies and no personal connection to the brand they are acquiring. In our case, it was critical to find a buyer who has demonstrated a commitment to the local community as well as a long-term investment horizon. Tom really understands and loves Skyline and our importance to the community.”
Skyline Chili was founded over 70 years ago in Cincinnati by Nicholas Lambrinides and his family. The Lambrinides and other long-term franchisee families have nurtured and grown Skyline Chili into a unique culinary signature of the Cincinnati community. Today Skyline has 136 restaurants located in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Florida. The newest Skyline restaurant opened last month in Nicholasville, Kentucky near Lexington. Another opening will occur in Xenia, Ohio in January 2021.
Mr. Williams is a lifelong Cincinnati resident where he and his family have made it a priority to support and grow the community. Besides building his real estate development business, Mr. Williams is Vice Chairman and one of the principal owners of the Cincinnati Reds. He serves on numerous local boards including The Western & Southern Financial Group, Nehemiah Manufacturing, Eleeo Brands, Cincinnati Business Committee (CBC), Cincinnati Center City Development Company (3CDC) and JobsOhio.
“I have long enjoyed and admired Skyline Chili and what it represents,” Mr. Williams said. “I am truly appreciative of this opportunity and I look forward to working with Kevin and his team to continue growing this wonderful brand and providing stewardship for one of our community’s most valued assets. Our family is extremely proud to make this acquisition as it keeps in line with our thesis of investing in strong local brands that also have a civic responsibility. In this transaction, we have included some of our current local partners that share these values.”
Both Mr. McDonnell and Mr. Williams noted they are thoroughly committed to ensuring future generations of customers can look forward to enjoying Skyline Chili’s unique and delicious Coneys, 3-Ways and genuine hospitality.
Skyline Chili Community Fund Established to Support
Pre-School Development Initiatives
Pictured left to right: Erica McDonnell, Kevin McDonnell, Ellen Katz
CINCINNATI – Kevin McDonnell, President and CEO of Skyline Chili, and his wife Erica announced today they have established the Skyline Chili Community Fund with the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) through a donation of ownership shares of Skyline Chili valued at $8 million.
The Skyline Chili Community Fund will primarily focus on supporting initiatives that enhance access to quality pre-school development opportunities for the children of lower-income families.
Mr. McDonnell noted, “I have been lucky to work for this great company for 30 years. Working with the founders from the Lambrinides family, our franchise owners, and our restaurant operators has taught me so much about the importance of giving back to our communities.”
“This region is so fortunate to have an organization like the Greater Cincinnati Foundation,” he said. “Their community support efforts are unparalleled. This gift of a piece of Skyline ownership is intended to further assist their mission and will give the community a further stake in this great brand.”
Ellen M. Katz, President and CEO of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation said “We are inspired by Skyline Chili and Erica and Kevin McDonnell for their generosity in establishing the Skyline Chili Community Fund. We are excited to partner with the Skyline family to enable them to expand their focus on the systemic need for comprehensive access to quality pre-school opportunities. This is a vital element to ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for all our children.”
Skyline Chili Community Fund Established to Support
Pre-School Development Initiatives
Pictured left to right: Erica McDonnell, Kevin McDonnell, Ellen Katz
CINCINNATI – Kevin McDonnell, President and CEO of Skyline Chili, and his wife Erica announced today they have established the Skyline Chili Community Fund with the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) through a donation of ownership shares of Skyline Chili valued at $8 million.
The Skyline Chili Community Fund will primarily focus on supporting initiatives that enhance access to quality pre-school development opportunities for the children of lower-income families.
Mr. McDonnell noted, “I have been lucky to work for this great company for 30 years. Working with the founders from the Lambrinides family, our franchise owners, and our restaurant operators has taught me so much about the importance of giving back to our communities.”
“This region is so fortunate to have an organization like the Greater Cincinnati Foundation,” he said. “Their community support efforts are unparalleled. This gift of a piece of Skyline ownership is intended to further assist their mission and will give the community a further stake in this great brand.”
Ellen M. Katz, President and CEO of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation said “We are inspired by Skyline Chili and Erica and Kevin McDonnell for their generosity in establishing the Skyline Chili Community Fund. We are excited to partner with the Skyline family to enable them to expand their focus on the systemic need for comprehensive access to quality pre-school opportunities. This is a vital element to ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for all our children.”
Try the NEW Vegetarian Greek Spaghetti!
Try our newest vegetarian menu item – Greek Spaghetti! A warm bed of spaghetti topped with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, pepperoncinis, Kalamata olives, and Feta cheese crumbles. Served with our own Greek dressing. Hurry in! It’s only here for a limited time at participating Skyline locations.
