Celebrating 40 Years of Chugwater Chili: A Wyoming Tradition Built to Last

For 40 years, Chugwater Chili Corporation has been proudly spicing up kitchens across Wyoming and beyond, bringing bold flavor, small-town tradition, and award-winning recipes to families everywhere, including internationally.

What started in a ranch bunkhouse has grown into a thriving Wyoming business known for award-winning seasonings and a true taste of the West. As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we’re reflecting on where we started, how far we’ve come, and the exciting future ahead.

Where It All Began: From Ranch Bunkhouse to Wyoming Favorite

Chugwater Chili Corporation officially began in 1986 when five local farm and ranch families purchased the Wyoming State Championship Chili Recipe and turned it into a for-profit business with a mission bigger than just great food—they wanted to help support the surrounding community and the town of Chugwater.

What started as one award-winning chili seasoning blend quickly became something much bigger.

The original recipe, known today as our famous Chugwater Chili Seasoning, became a staple in homes across the region. Families loved the convenience and amazing flavor that made every pot of chili memorable.

From those early days, packaging products in an old ranch bunkhouse, the foundation was built on hard work, local pride, and a passion for creating high-quality seasoning blends right here in Wyoming.

Growing Beyond Chili: More Than Just Seasoning

Over the years, Chugwater Chili Corporation has expanded far beyond our original chili blend.

Today, we offer a full lineup of customer favorites, including:

• Original Chugwater Chili Seasoning

• Green Chili Seasoning

• Hot Chili Seasoning

• Southwestern Ranch Dip & Dressing Mix

• Salsa Seasoning

• Smoky and Spicy Steak Rub

• Pork & Chicken Rub

• Red Pepper Jelly

• Beef Sticks

• Cocktail Salt Rimmers

• A Cookbook 

Every product is created with the same commitment to quality that built our name— our seasonings are gluten-free, all-natural, with no preservatives or MSG, and made from high-quality ingredients. 

Whether you're making easy weeknight dinners, preparing tailgate food, gifting Wyoming-made products, or creating family recipes, our seasonings bring flavor that stands out.

A Local Business with National Reach

Today, local resident Karen Guidice proudly owns Chugwater Chili Corporation, continuing the tradition and helping the business grow stronger every year.

While our headquarters remain right here at 210 1st Street in Chugwater, our products have reached kitchens far beyond Wyoming.

You can now find Chugwater Chili products in major grocery stores including:

• Safeway

• Albertsons

• King Soopers

• Smith's Food and Drug

This expansion allows even more customers to discover why Chugwater Chili has become one of the best chili seasoning brands in the West.

We also partner with specialty gift stores, food stores, and other locally small businesses across the United States to bring our seasonings closer to our customers. 

Built for the Future: New Packaging Building & Retail Expansion

As we celebrate 40 years in business, we’re not slowing down—we’re growing.

We’ve recently completed construction on our brand-new packaging building on 1st Street in Chugwater, helping us improve production, shipping, and fulfillment as demand continues to grow.

This exciting new addition marks the next chapter for Chugwater Chili Corporation and allows us to continue serving customers with the same quality and care they’ve trusted for decades.

And there’s even more ahead—later this year, we’ll also be expanding our retail store, creating an even better experience for visitors who stop in to shop, sample products, and experience the heart of Chugwater Chili in person.

Stop In and Say Hello

If you’ve driven through Wyoming, you may have seen our billboards inviting travelers to stop by—and we mean it.

We love welcoming visitors to our store for free samples, friendly conversation, and a true taste of Wyoming hospitality.

Whether you're a longtime customer or discovering us for the first time, we invite you to stop by and say hello.

Thank You for 40 Amazing Years

Forty years of business is more than a milestone—it’s a reflection of the customers, community, and families who have supported us every step of the way.

From a ranch bunkhouse to a growing production facility, from one championship chili recipe to a full line of beloved products, Chugwater Chili Corporation is proud to continue sharing the flavors of Wyoming with the world.

Thank you for being part of our story.

Here’s to the next 40 years of flavor, tradition, and growth.

Shop online, visit us in-store, or find us at your local grocery store—and bring home the taste of Chugwater today.