Regional chain Gold Star Chili is commissioning nationally prominent artist-illustrator C.F. Payne to paint an original mural on some of its stores. Chris Fox Payne, most commonly known as C.F. Payne, will create an original illustration depicting the classic Gold Star and "Cincinnati-style chili" experience. The unique illustration will not only feature imagery of classic Cincinnati-style chili dishes and scenes from Gold Star Chili restaurants, but it will showcase illustrations of real Cincinnati residents and Gold Star Chili fans.
Gold Star Chili is inviting for Greater Cincinnati area residents to audition as potential models. Interested men, women and children can e-mail a photo of themselves, their family and/or friends enjoying Gold Star menu items to info@goldstarchili.com. The submitted photo must showcase the potential model in a Gold Star Chili restaurant eating a Cheese Coney; 3, 4 or 5-Way; or bowl of chili to be eligible. Entries must include the potential model's name and phone number along with the submitted photo to be considered eligible for the audition.
Gold Star Chili will select 12 to 18 people for inclusion as models in the illustration. Deadline for submission is Jan. 31.
The completed illustration will be reproduced and installed as a wall mural in select Gold Star Chili restaurant locations throughout the Greater Cincinnati area in 2010. Additionally, five to six close-up out-takes from the illustration will be framed and installed in Gold Star Chili restaurants to help provide an in-store ambiance that visually depicts Gold Star Chili's brand position, The Flavor of Cincinnati. Gold Star Chili also will use the illustration and out-takes in future advertising and marketing initiatives.
"C.F. Payne was the natural choice for a project like this for the brand that is known as The Flavor of Cincinnati," said Charlie Howard, Gold Star Chili director of marketing, in a news release. "Mr. Payne is a life-long resident of Cincinnati neighborhoods and a Cincinnati-style chili fan. And even though he is best known for his illustrations of famous personalities, the heart of his work is the depiction of everyday people; the kind regular, hard-working individuals and families who have been Gold Star's core customers for the past 45 years. This illustration is really a tribute to them."
$5 combos re-launch
In unrelated news, Gold Star Chili has reintroduced its $5 Cincinnati-style Chili Classic combo meals. The special value-priced combo meals are available for a limited time and include:
- Three cheese coneys and a regular beverage
- A 3-way and a regular beverage
- Chili cheese fries and a beverage
To provide additional value, Gold Star is also offering four of its most popular side order items for only $1 with the purchase of any combo meal. The $1 sides include:
- Chili dip
- Regular fries
- Half salad
- Garlic or cheese bread
Gold Star's $5 Chili Classics and $1 side orders are available until Feb. 21.
