Jeff Grothouse did not expect to be introduced to one of his life’s passions when he went on a business trip to Cincinnati in the mid-1980s. But he found it when he stepped into a Skyline Chili and had his first taste of the restaurant’s signature ways and coneys.

Now, 30 years later, he is bringing that love to a place that he has always had an attachment to: Fort Wayne.

The northwest Ohio man recently signed a franchise agreement with Skyline Chili to open one restaurant by the end of 2016 and a second by the end of 2018. It will be the first new market for the Ohio-based chain since the 1990s, according to Joe Dominiak, executive vice president of restaurant operations. But the Fort Wayne locations will be the start of Skyline’s growth plan, which involves opening 20 new restaurants by 2020 and doubling its locations by 2025.

Skyline operates 138 restaurants in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Florida.

For the uninitiated, Skyline serves Cincinnati chili – "a unique blend of Greek-inspired spices in a meat sauce," Dominiak says. The chili can be served as a "way," atop a bed of spaghetti (2-way) and topped with shredded cheese (3-way). The addition of onions or beans will make the plate a 4-way or diners can go all in with a 5-way, which is spaghetti, chili, onions, beans and cheese. The restaurant also has its signature coneys, with the chili served over a hot dog with mustard, onions and finely shredded cheese.

The larger menu also includes burritos, salads, fries, loaded potatoes and wraps.

Grothouse, who operated a Skyline franchise in Lima, Ohio, for nearly 10 years, says his go-to order is a 5-way and a cheese coney.

He’s looking for locations everywhere from southwest to northeast, he says. The ideal spot would be on the end of a strip center with 2,200 to 2,400 square feet and the availability of a drive-thru. After a location has been approved by the corporate office, it will take three to four months for the restaurant to open.

Rib Room date set

It’s going to be a sprint to the finish, but the extensive remodel of the Rib Room is nearly complete, and a reopening date has been set.

At 4 p.m. March 10, Fort Wayne rib fans will be able to get a taste of the staples from the restaurant on East State Boulevard.

The menu will pay homage to the original Rib Room with steak, ribs and seafood offerings. There also will be updated dishes and twists on other staples with gourmet burgers and expanded barbecue options.

The Rib Room is accepting reservations; call 483-9767.

5th Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons has opened its fifth location in the city. But just as one salted caramel Timbit is not enough, local franchisee Joe and Dough LLC plans to open three more café and bake shops before the end of the year.

The location at 3975 Ice Way is the city’s second standalone Tim Hortons, with other shops on Crescent Avenue and inside Memorial Coliseum, Lutheran Hospital and the Harris Building. The restaurant has a drive-thru and seating for nearly 40 inside and on the patio. Hours will be 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Known for its coffee, Tim Hortons also has a full menu of baked goods, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, paninis, wraps and soups.

Mark Eifert, managing partner for Joe and Dough LLC, says construction on the next location began Monday. The former Courtney’s Bakery on West Jefferson Boulevard, near Time Corners, will be remodeled. The goal is to have the restaurant open in late April or early May. Two other locations will be built from the ground up – one at Coldwater and Union Chapel roads, with a target opening in late summer; and Lima Road, just north of Wallen Road, next to Jag’s Bar.

In 2014, it was announced that Tim Hortons would open 15 locations in the Fort Wayne area in five years.

Taste Waynedale

Tickets are now on sale for the eighth annual Kingston’s Taste of Waynedale.

The event will be 4:30 to 7 p.m. March 22 at Mount Calvary Family Life Center, 1819 Reservation Road. Proceeds will benefit Honor Flight Northeast Indiana and Community Harvest Food Bank.

More than two dozen restaurants and business are participating in the event, including Big Boy, Bandido’s, The Bluebird Restaurant, Captain Ron’s Corral, China Palace, Curly’s Village Inn, Hall’s Original Drive In, Las Tres Hermana’s, Little Caesars Pizza, Mad Anthony Brewing Co., Mike’s Donuts, Nine Mile Restaurant, Pho Viet, Pizza Hut, Shigs In Pit, The Stand, Subway, Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Waynedale Bakery and Waynewood Inn.

Tickets are $15 a person in advance or $20 the day of the event. To buy, call 747-1523, email cgarrison@kingstonhealthcare.com or go to Kingston Residence, 7515 Winchester Road, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are also available at Hair Affair or Curves, both on Bluffton Road.

Around town

• The Stand, 5200 Bluffton Road, has reopened for the season. The coney dog and ice cream restaurant opens at 11 a.m. daily. Follow The Stand on social media to find out the yogurt flavor and soups of the day: Twitter, @Stand_Fan; Instagram, @Standfanfw; and Facebook, www.facebook.com/The-Stand-Coneys-Ice-Cream-337953566354.

• Koze Thai Cuisine & Bar, 6709 Lima Road, has closed. Its last day of business was Monday.

• Beet Street Juicery will close its 534 W. Berry St. shop March 26. The business will focus on delivery and online/phone orders.

The Dish features restaurant news and food events and appears Wednesdays. Fax news items to 461-8893, email kdupps@jg.net or call 461-8727.