DINING

From the archives: Photos of Geroge Karaidos Jr. and George the Chili King through the years

Des Moines Register
From 2007: George Karadios holds a bowl of his famous chili inside his restaurant, George the Chili King.
From 2007: George Karadios holds a bowl of his famous chili inside his restaurant, George the Chili King.
Register File Photo
From 2012: George Karaidos of Clive has owned George the Chili King since he was 19-years-old.
From 2012: George Karaidos of Clive has owned George the Chili King since he was 19-years-old.
Register File Photo
George the Chili King Drive-In.
George the Chili King Drive-In.
Register File Photo
George the Chili King is represented in the 2018 Iowa State Fair parade from the Statehouse to downtown Des Moines Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018. The Iowa State Fair runs from Aug. 9Ð19.
George the Chili King is represented in the 2018 Iowa State Fair parade from the Statehouse to downtown Des Moines Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018. The Iowa State Fair runs from Aug. 9Ð19.
Rodney White/The Register
The Fatlady at George the Chili King Drive-In.
The Fatlady at George the Chili King Drive-In.
Andrea Crowley/The Register
Karen and George Karaidos of George the Chili King, drive a 1957 Chevy Bel Air classic during the Green Days parade along Pioneer Parkway in Johnston on Saturday, June 16, 2018. The theme for Green Days this year is the Nature of Johnston and the annual festival features four days of family fun with a car show, food, concerts, carnival rides, a 5K run, and much more.
Karen and George Karaidos of George the Chili King, drive a 1957 Chevy Bel Air classic during the Green Days parade along Pioneer Parkway in Johnston on Saturday, June 16, 2018. The theme for Green Days this year is the Nature of Johnston and the annual festival features four days of family fun with a car show, food, concerts, carnival rides, a 5K run, and much more.
Lee Navin / For The Register
North High School alumnus George Karaidos (George the Chili King) attended the inaugural Polar Bear Gala and Auction April 2 at the Holiday Inn of Downtown Des Moines. The event featured silent and live auctions, keynote speaker Maj. Sean Quinlan, dinner and a student talent showcase to benefit North High student groups.
North High School alumnus George Karaidos (George the Chili King) attended the inaugural Polar Bear Gala and Auction April 2 at the Holiday Inn of Downtown Des Moines. The event featured silent and live auctions, keynote speaker Maj. Sean Quinlan, dinner and a student talent showcase to benefit North High student groups.
Lee Navin/For The Register
North High School alumni Karen and George Karaidos (George the Chili King) attended the inaugural Polar Bear Gala and Auction April 2 at the Holiday Inn of Downtown Des Moines. The event featured silent and live auctions, keynote speaker Maj. Sean Quinlan, dinner and a student talent showcase to benefit North High student groups.
North High School alumni Karen and George Karaidos (George the Chili King) attended the inaugural Polar Bear Gala and Auction April 2 at the Holiday Inn of Downtown Des Moines. The event featured silent and live auctions, keynote speaker Maj. Sean Quinlan, dinner and a student talent showcase to benefit North High student groups.
Lee Navin/For The Register
Chili from George the Chili King, 5722 Hickman Road.
Chili from George the Chili King, 5722 Hickman Road.
Zach Boyden-Holmes/Register File Photo
The Coney Island Dog served at George the Chili King at 5722 Hickman Road.
The Coney Island Dog served at George the Chili King at 5722 Hickman Road.
Register File Photo
From 2012: Don Orr of Des Moines tops a bun with a tenderloin at George the Chili King in Des Moines. The restaurant was approaching its 60th anniversary.
From 2012: Don Orr of Des Moines tops a bun with a tenderloin at George the Chili King in Des Moines. The restaurant was approaching its 60th anniversary.
Register File Photo
From 2012: The lunch counter during a busy Friday afternoon at George the Chili King in Des Moines.
From 2012: The lunch counter during a busy Friday afternoon at George the Chili King in Des Moines.
Register File Photo
An order of chili cheese fries from George The Chili King.
An order of chili cheese fries from George The Chili King.
Register File Photo
From 2007: George Karaidos visits with customers inside his restaurant, George the Chili King, which has been located for 55 years at 5722 Hickman Road in Des Moines.
From 2007: George Karaidos visits with customers inside his restaurant, George the Chili King, which has been located for 55 years at 5722 Hickman Road in Des Moines.
Register File Photo