THE STORY BEHIND TONY'S FAMOUS CHILI

Tony Gelardi is an idea guy. Always has been. But his most memorable idea— or at the very least, the one that bears his name— wasn’t sketched out on a whiteboard or planned in a kitchen. It happened in the moment, born from a flash of inspiration, a bonfire, and a budding friendship.

Years ago, Tony was visiting his friend Ray Moses, who raises his own cattle. Tony convinced him to part with a few pounds, promising to cook up something worth sharing. 

Out by a bonfire in Ray’s backyard, he decided to make a chili using whatever they had on hand: a mix of homegrown peppers, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and that fresh local beef.

There was just one problem. Ray’s peppers were unbelievably spicy. So Tony reached for the only thing nearby that might tame the heat—a jar of raw local honey. The result was a hearty, flavorful chili that struck the perfect balance of spice, savory depth, and just a hint of sweetness.

That backyard experiment went on to become an award-winning recipe and a staple at Simply Fresh Market.

As Tony explained, it was never just about the chili. It was about how food brings people together.

These days, we may not be roasting vegetables over a bonfire, but the spirit of that night—the creativity, the quality ingredients, and the love of good food—still defines every batch we make. Simply Fresh’s resident soup chef, Nick P., makes sure of that.

As for Ray, he still raises his cattle locally, all grass-fed and finished. The eagle-eyed shopper might recognize him better by his initials: Ray Moses is the RGM behind RGM Beef.

That same quality beef remains at the heart of Tony’s Famous Chili. With tender beef, roasted peppers, carrots, tomatoes, onions, and honey, it proves that sometimes the best ideas don’t come from a plan. They come from a spark and a shared meal.

Tony’s Famous Chili is available in-store, online, and for carryout—perfect for a quick lunch or an easy dinner to take home.