Tad’s Dad’s Chili was the loving creation of Tad’s dad, Colonel Tyler W. Tandler. Born in 1927, he was a devoted and loyal career officer in the US Air Force, West Point graduate, combat pilot, and tailgate enthusiast whose chili was renowned. The founder of the company, Tad Tandler, was her dad’s loyal and devoted helper in making the chili, and she is the keeper of the original recipe written in his own hand.

In 2014, Tad moved to Denver, CO and brought her chili to a cook-off at the high school where she taught special education. Out of 50 entries, her chili won the “Best Overall” award; the principal of the school told her that people were fighting over the last few bites and raving at the exquisite and unique flavor. He implored Tad to get the chili to market - it was just too good not to share, and he was sure it would be a huge success.

After winning many chili contests with Ty’s recipe, those tasting it convinced her that she had to bring her father’s unique creation to the world. Tad’s name, of course, makes the rhyme and rhythm of the name possible. Tad, born as Mary Frances Tandler, received the nickname Tad, common in Texas, while still a little “tadpole” in her mother’s womb.

Colonel Tandler’s Air Force career started in 1950 in the Strategic Air Command, piloting B-36 bombers, the largest aircraft ever flown the in the USAF arsenal. He would be called onto the flight line at his base in Texas at a moment’s notice, not finding out until midway across the Atlantic if the mission was a training exercise or a real nuclear bombing run over the USSR. He served two combat tours in Vietnam, where he was instrumental in the early development of precision guided weapons. When he returned home, he especially cherished his time with his family and American traditions.