Petro’s Chili & Chips is a Knoxville-born, family-owned brand that’s been serving “Love at First Bite” since 1982 — first introduced at the World’s Fair and still proudly rooted in East Tennessee today.

What started as a simple chili-and-chips concept has grown into something much bigger: a fast-casual brand built on warmth, hospitality, and the belief that quality food is good for the soul. With locations across Tennessee and a deep connection to the University of Tennessee and the communities we serve, Petros has become a nostalgic staple for generations — and a modern brand preparing for its next chapter.

At our core, Petros exists to gather people. We believe magic happens when people share food, stories, and moments together. That belief shapes everything we do — from fresh, made-to-order food served quickly and consistently, to the way we invest in our team, our partners, and our neighborhoods.

We operate with a clear set of values: integrity, positivity, dependability, consistency, adaptability, and service-mindedness. We strive to build a healthy culture where people grow, leadership is developed, and excellence is pursued — not just in results, but in how we treat one another.

We often describe ourselves as a “40-year-old startup.” We honor our history while continuously evolving — refining our brand, elevating the guest experience, and exploring thoughtful growth through company-owned locations, franchising, and licensed products.

Whether you’re a guest, a team member, a partner, or a future collaborator, our mission remains the same:
Serve great food. Create belonging. Make a positive impact.

Welcome to Petros Love at First Bite… guaranteed!

Petros Love at First Bite

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Petros Love at First Bite

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