Audio By Carbonatix
It’s prime green chile season, which means things are smokin’ at Chubby’s-like outlets all over town. But which Chubby’s has founder Stella Cordova’s original recipe?
Back in 1967, Stella noticed a “Cook Wanted” sign at the Chubby Burger Drive Inn at 1231 West 38th Avenue. At the age of 59, she got the job and started the next day — earning 85 cents an hour. Within two years, she’d bought the place — keeping the name, but changing the menu to include her incredible green chile.
Stella continued working at the original Chubby’s until she turned a hundred. She passed away soon after, in June 2009, but her legacy lives on in a host of restaurants that she inspired.
Today her grandson, Danny Cordova, runs the spot on West 38th. Another grandson, Leonard Cordova, founded the Bubba Chino’s chain; he owns some of the spots, franchises others. Yet another grandson, Juan Cordova, has a restaurant named the Original Chubby’s in Thornton, and is opening a second Original Chubby’s at 1385 Santa Fe Drive. And there are still other joints around town that trace their origins to Stella Cordova.
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But while their bloodlines might be beyond dispute, some people doubt the authenticity of their green chile. Says NWDen:
I still maintain that none of these descendants have Stella’s original recipe. I believe that she took it to her grave.
Chubby Burger Drive-In — the original Original Chubby’s. The other “Original” Chubby’s. Bubba Chino’s. El Chubby’s. Are any of these the real deal? Post your thoughts below.
