What’s a day at Kings Island without a cheese coney? This year, the Mason, Ohio amusement park is in its 40th year of a beloved partnership with Skyline Chili, the Cincinnati staple that’s been serving up its signature coneys and three-ways to parkgoers since 1985.
Skyline Chili isn’t just food—it’s a Cincinnati icon. Founded in 1949 by Nicholas Lambrinides, the restaurant’s unique blend of Mediterranean spices and hometown pride quickly made it a local favorite. Inspired by his Greek heritage and Cincinnati’s skyline, Lambrinides crafted a chili recipe known for its distinctive flavor—hints of cinnamon and chocolate—that has since become synonymous with the Queen City.
By the time Skyline Chili debuted at Kings Island in 1985, the restaurant was already a regional staple. The park itself was undergoing a transformation, growing as a major Midwest destination under the new ownership of Kings Entertainment Company after Taft Broadcasting. Bringing in a beloved local brand like Skyline was a natural fit, complementing other Cincinnati favorites like LaRosa’s Pizza.
The arrival of Skyline at Kings Island marked the end of the Lunch Basket in the Coney Island section—now known as Coney Mall. For longtime parkgoers like myself, who counted on the Lunch Basket as a go-to dining spot, the change was bittersweet. But the addition of Skyline brought a new dimension of local flavor to the park’s food lineup, reinforcing its regional identity.
Over the decades, Skyline Chili at Kings Island has become as much a part of the experience as the Beast and the Eiffel Tower replica. Located in Coney Mall, the quick, casual dining style of Skyline is a perfect match for amusement park fare—convenient, tasty, and tied to Cincinnati pride. Whether it’s a cheese coney between rides or a three-way to wrap up a day of thrills, Skyline’s presence is deeply woven into the fabric of Kings Island visits.
As 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Skyline Chili at Kings Island, I expected the park to commemorate the milestone in some meaningful way. From special menu items—like a 40th-anniversary coney—to retro merchandise or even the return of a chili-eating contest reminiscent of the Skyline Chili Spaghetti Eating Championships held in 2008 and 2009, the possibilities seemed endless. Yet, with no announcements or acknowledgments from the park so far, it’s disappointing to see such an iconic and long standing partnership pass by without celebration.
The milestone also follows Skyline’s own 75th anniversary in 2024, which saw a notable switch to Coca-Cola products. With momentum still strong from that celebration, Kings Island and Skyline could team up for something memorable.
Today, Skyline boasts more than 160 locations, but its Kings Island spot remains unique—one of the few where visitors can savor a cheese coney while surrounded by the sounds of roller coasters and summer fun.
Next time you’re at the park, grab a coney and join in the celebration—40 years of Cincinnati tradition, served hot and topped with a mountain of cheese.
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